In a closely contested election that stretched into the early hours of Thursday morning, Charles Griffith successfully defended his St John parliamentary seat, overcoming a formidable challenge from Democratic Labour Party’s former leader Ralph Thorne. The final tally revealed Griffith secured 2,327 votes against Thorne’s 1,876, resulting in a victory margin of 451 votes in this crucial parish battleground.
The electoral atmosphere remained tense throughout the counting process at the St John aggregation center, where supporters gathered under bright lights awaiting the official announcement. Returning Officer Gracia Bolden-Thompson declared Griffith the winner amid cheers and handshakes, marking the conclusion of what the incumbent described as ‘a tougher contest than usual.’
Griffith, who previously served as Sports and Youth Minister, acknowledged the intensity of the campaign had tested his political confidence. ‘I was always confident… the end result reveals that people still believe in my ability to move St John forward,’ he stated in his victory address.
The election featured multiple candidates, including New National Party leader Kemar Stuart, who garnered 236 votes from the total 4,439 ballots cast, with 18 votes declared spoiled. Griffith extended diplomatic recognition to his opponents, noting: ‘You respect your opponents in politics, and I respected Kemar coming into the game. He believed he had something to offer in serving the people.’
Addressing his constituency, Griffith emphasized his apolitical approach to representation: ‘I don’t see red or blue when it comes to representing my constituency. There’s substantial work ahead in infrastructure development, sports facilities, and youth empowerment programs.’
The victory sets the stage for upcoming parliamentary proceedings, with Griffith and other newly elected representatives scheduled to attend the opening of the new parliament next Friday. The incumbent expressed humility about his party’s broader vision, noting its proactive approach to national development that would ultimately benefit his constituency.