IF THE turnout of support for Daryl Vaz in West Portland yesterday after the Court of Appeal ruled that a by-election must be held to select a member of parliament is anything to go by, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is in good shape.

Minutes before the electronic media broke the news that the Appeal Court had upheld Chief Justice Zaila McCalla's earlier decision, the streets of Buff Bay and Hope Bay, which are traditional JLP strongholds, were relatively empty.

Minutes later, JLP supporters took over the streets, clad in traditional green, sporting T-shirts with Vaz's image spread across their chests. Hundreds of supporters converged near the MP's office chanting: "Unnu tink mi did done? Mi jus a come."

"We are prepared and ready for any election, if it is even tomorrow," boasted Paul Young, the ousted MP's campaign manager.

"I am more than comfortable with the court ruling, which I believe was done in the best interests of the people. Let us revisit the polls and determine the candidate of choice for the people of this constituency."

Earlier, a lone People's National Party (PNP) supporter, Glen Sutherland, told The Gleaner he was shocked at the ruling, as he expected Abe Dabdoub to be handed the seat, based on his knowledge of the Constitution.

"As PNP supporters, we have accepted the ruling of the Appeal Court, " he said.

"We now have to go back to the drawing board and prepare ourselves to face the polls. I believe the party is prepared for this by-election, and I strongly believe that things are going to be different this time around."

Sutherland's optimism was matched by that of the burgeoning JLP crowd. "Dabdoub is going to get the beating of his life," said Loyana Richards, a JLP supporter. "Vaz is a hard worker and he is here for everyone, not just JLP; he has also helped persons from the other side."

Even as rain pounded Portland, more and more JLP supporters turned out for what, at press time, was expected to be a grand celebration throughout the town of Buff Bay.

Vaz was scheduled to visit the constituency late yesterday.