Left: Peddie: More opponents will split votes in my favour. Right: Williams: Youth need to be properly motivated.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Several aspirants are gearing up to unseat incumbent leader of the Accompong Maroons, Sydney Peddie, whose second term officially ends on February 27.

"I have heard that some six persons are lining up to challenge me, but I am ready for the challenge," said a confident Peddie, the Maroon colonel. "The more of them, the merrier for me, because that will mean a splitting of the votes among them."

While some of the challengers, including former colonel, Meridith Rowe, are not being viewed as strong contenders, Peddie could have a tough time beating rookie aspirant, Ferron Williams. a policeman with solid roots in Accompong Town.

"I am saying here and now, if I don't beat Peddie by a 5-1 margin, I won't take up leadership," said the 53-year-old Williams, a 34-year veteran of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, who is stationed in Montego Bay, St James.

"People are calling me from everywhere and asking me to run," said Williams, a sergeant assigned to the traffic division.

Williams said his electoral bid was spurred by what he terms Peddie's ineptitude and stifling of the community's potential.

"The community needs proper governance but Peddie cannot provide it because the people no longer support him," said Williams. "The young people need to be properly motivated and guided and I believe I am the man to do it."

DAYS NUMBERED?

However, in rejecting Williams' allegation, Peddie cited construction of the Accompong Library, which has a computer room, and his effort to fix the roads in the community as major accomplishments on his part.

"I have done my best under difficult circumstances and I am sure the people appreciate my effort," said Peddie. "I am very confident that I will win a third term as colonel."

Williams, who will be officially launching his campaign on March 14, is confident that the days of the Peddie era are numbered.

The Electoral Office of Jamaica will oversee the enumeration activities and the poll itself. The election date has not yet been set.

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com