With today (Apl 2) being the last day of campaigning in East Portland, the Jamaica Labour Party is going through the final stages of preparation for Thursday’s by-election.

The party’s candidate Ann-Marie Vaz will be contesting the seat.

JLP General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang says steps are being taken to ensure the party’s election machinery is in place.

In light of the decision to cancel today’s planned mass rally, the party is instead conducting canvassing throughout the constituency.

Citing 2 recent shooting incidents, Dr. Chang says the safety of the residents is of utmost importance.

Meantime, the People’s National Party will be ending its campaign activities in East Portland today, with several spot meetings and canvassing.

PNP General Secretary Julian Robinson says, despite having to cancel the party’s final mass meeting that was initially set for tonight, the party continues to ramp up its support base, for candidate Damion Crawford.

He expressed confidence that Crawford will be victorious in Thursday’s by-election.

He says Crawford will continue on the legacy of the previous Member of Parliament, Dr. Lynvale Bloomfield, in East Portland, citing Bloomfield’s accomplishments over the years, and the late MP’s strong advocacy for the people of the constituency.

And, the head of the Area Two Police, Assistant Commissioner Elbert Nelson, says additional resources are being pumped into the Portland division, in anticipation of Thursday’s by-election.

He says, the two main political parties have been canvassing, and the police have been out in their number.

ACP Nelson says he expects a good day come Election Day, Thursday April 4, as the police will be providing safety for all concerned.