'Dean' could postpone voting of security forces

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Sunday | August 19, 2007

If damage associated with dangerous category Four Hurri-cane Dean is catastrophic, the security forces may not vote on Tuesday as planned.

With 'Dean' hounding down on Jamaica, and forecasted to hit the island later this evening, Director of Elections, Danville Walker, told The Sunday Gleaner yesterday that the decision to postpone the police/military vote would be made after the storm has passed.

"We will wait until Monday to see where we are and then the various recommendations can come forward at that time," Mr. Walker said.

While the police and soldiers are due to vote on Tuesday, national polls will not take place until August 27. Mr. Walker said that there is sufficient time between Monday and the scheduled vote on Tuesday to postpone the police/-military vote.

The national election was announced on July 8 by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

The decision as to whether or not the polls will be called off, rests with Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall.