For the most part it was business as usual in North East St. Ann today.
In St Ann’s Bay for a few hours, there were some additional activities as supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party prepared to accompany their candidate to the nomination centre.
At the EOJ’s North East St Ann office, it was quiet for most of the day, with the Returning Officer, other EOJ staff, Journalists, and the Security Forces, being the main occupants at the location.
Independent candidate businessman David Anderson was the first to arrive.
He came an hour after nominations were opened, dressed in a white suit with a yellow T- shirt with Jamaica printed on the front.
After verification of the 10 electors to ensure they were registered to vote in North East St Ann, paying the $15,000 nomination fee, and signing the relevant documents, the Returning Officer informed him he was duly nominated.
Anderson who hails from St. Ann says he wants change for the constituency.
Some 2 hours later, a large motorcade of JLP supporters dancing and singing arrived at the EOJ’s office, with the JLP’s candidate Matthew Samuda in his party colour.
Among those turning out to support him were party leader Prime Minister Andrew Holness, his wife Juliet, party chairman Robert Montague, and several ministers including Ed Bartlett.
He paid the nomination fee of $15,000 in $100 notes, noting Marcus Garvey, a famous son of St. Ann.
Having completed the process, he was congratulated by the party leader, the chairman and other supporters.
Mr. Samuda told reporters he expects to be victorious and he is eager to get to work.
Meantime, the third candidate, the UIC’s Chase Neil, arrived about 20 minutes before nominations closed.
Mr. Neil, a teacher and watchman who hails from St Mary, says he has ties to St. Ann.