(1) The PNP's margin of victory is exactly 2:1 (42 to 21 seats). First landslide of the 21st century.

(2) The PNP is the first party to win under the expanded 63 constituency seats. It won two of the three new seats.

(3) The PNP enjoyed an islandwide victory. It won more seats (11) or the same number (3) as its opponents in all Parishes. It did not lose any Parish.

(4) Portia Simpson Miller is the first female leader to serve a first and elected to a second term.

(5) Portia Simpson Miller joins all PNP Prime Ministers to serve at least two terms.

(6) 80% of PNP female candidates (4 of 5) won. Two were first time candidates.

St. Andrew, October 10, 2011: The constituents of Western St. Andrew are today deeply saddened by the passing of former MP, Onel Theobalds Williams. The people in the communities of Western St. Andrew wish to convey to the family of O.T. Williams their sincere gratitude for the work done by Mr. Williams, as their representative between 1989-2007. They further wish to acknowledge the care, concern and passion which characterized Mr. Williams' representation of their interests in the Parliament of Jamaica and in other fora.

Speaking on behalf of the constituency current Member of Parliament, Anthony Hylton said "Comrade Williams will be sadly missed by comrades and all others for his years of service to the Party and the constituency. His period of service to Western St. Andrew was marked by strident advocacy on behalf of the constituency in the Parliament and elsewhere. His colourful representation will ensure that the Party, the constituency and the country will never forget his unique contribution in finding solution to the problems affecting the inner-city constituency and the country as a whole."

The constituents joins with the immediate family in mourning the loss of the former MP and wish to convey condolences to the wife and family of Comrade Williams in this their time of grief. The constituents further look forward to an appropriate opportunity to say farewell to the former MP.

TO THE EDITOR
 

St. Catherine, October 8, 2011: The current uproar from various quarters in the parish of Manchester over the impending appointment of a new Custos cannot be ignored by us all, including civil society. To the extent that we, in most part accept a credible role for Justices of the Peace and Custos in each parish, we have an obligation to ensure that their credibility is beyond reason doubt. During the debate on the Custos Rotulorum Bill in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, I sought support from my parliamentary colleagues to ensure that the public have an opportunity proffer the opinion on any person being considered or about to be appointed Custos in their parish. I failed in that effort, even after much pleading to my colleagues!
 

I made the point then, and I make it again now. We are not accusing anybody but we want to preserve the integrity and sanctity of that office as much as is possible and there is nothing wrong with giving members of the parish an opportunity to have an input. Whoever is being selected to the position of Custos must command the respect and support from the widest cross section of the parish they will be serving. Likewise, such person selected ought not to be a known source of division or divisiveness in the parish they will serve.
 

Unfortunately it seems my words are coming to pass just three months after the passage of that Bill. It is not too late for the Minister of Justice, the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Designate and the Governor General to listen to the many and loud voices in the parish. The potential consequence of failing to act now cannot be charged to lack of recollection later.