‘We claim victory in honour of Mama P.’

That declaration was made by president of the People’s National Party (PNP) Mark Golding at the end of the preliminary count, in yesterday’s Local Government Election.

Golding reiterated that February 26 marks the anniversary of former party president Portia Simpson Miller’s ascension to the post.

He noted that the PNP ran a powerful and effective campaign.

Golding also acknowledged the influence of other past presidents on the ‘victory’.

Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Prime Minister Andrew Holness has also claimed victory in the polls.

Holness was speaking at a press conference at party headquarters last evening, after the local government election ended, when he declared that the JLP won, having copped 7 parish municipal corporations.

In his ‘victory speech’, Mr. Holness said in a bid to form a more rounded local government structure, at the community level, he is urging councillors to become community leaders.

This would form part of a review process for the role of a councillor. 

Mr. Holness stated that this approach will help unite communities and help find local solutions to problems within them.

Holness’ assessment follows visits to several communities, while campaigning, prior to the election.