Daryl Vaz keeps company with his wife, Ann-Marie (left), and Amber Vicens, host of the Keep Portland Green fund-raising session, at Earl's Court on Wednesday . - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

It was dubbed 'Keep Portland Green', but the fund-raising session at Earl's Court on Wednesday was a chance for Labourites and a few (Comrades) to show support for Daryl Vaz, one of the candidates in the by-election in Portland later this month.

Vaz, in his brief welcome, thanked his family members, especially wife Ann-Marie and father Douglas, as well as other supporters for making the event a success.

'A renegade'

Special toasts were done by the Prime Minister Bruce Golding and businessman Howard Hamilton. The prime minister said, "Daryl is a vital member of the Jamaica Labour Party and that the party cannot afford to lose him." He added that he would be giving Vaz time off to campaign and mingle with his supporters. The PM also said that he would be handling Vaz's nomination personally.

Interestingly, Vaz called on Howard Hamilton (a well-known Comrade) to give a toast. Hamilton said persons might wonder why he was associated with such 'a renegade' - but, "Daryl is the son I never had and our close relationship spans some two decades," hence he had no problem supporting him. He also said, based on the state of the county's economy, he would rather be on the opposition side than winning an election at this period.

Gina Foote looks fab in her purple top.

Time for toasts as (from left) Saleem Lazarus, Dr Andre Foote and Daryl Vaz knock glasses at the fund-raiser.