Former Jamaica Labour Party Candidate for North East St. Ann, Michael Belnavis is all set to return to his old constituency, however, this time as a councillor/candidate.
Having served two terms as a councillor for the Boscobel Division in the neighboring Western St. Mary, Belnavis has set his hope on contesting the seat for the Ocho Rios Division. As a candidate in the 1999 General Election he was defeated by the PNP’s Danny Melville.
One JLP insider told the North Coast Times that the losing JLP candidate in The 2012 Local Government Election has no intention of returning and so the way is clear for Belnavis to make his entry. Another JLP stalwart said the matter is forgone conclusion and that it is only a matter of time before it is officially announced that Belnavis will be the candidate for the Ocho Rios Division. When contacted, Belnavis admitted that he intends to represent the JLP in the Local Election. He said, however, that he is awaiting confirmation on the matter.
Belnavis is very familiar with Ocho Rios, having established businesses and office in the resort town since 1995. For years he was the Chairman of the Ocho Rios Cruise Shipping Council and is well respected by ordinary citizens and members of the business community.
If confirmed, Belnavis is expected to face PNP candidate Dr. Rohan Williams, who now sits in Council.
