Jamaican voters box clever on poll day
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.With the world heavyweight boxing champion, Evander Holyfield, on hand to help ensure a clean fight, Jamaicans went to the polls yesterday in general elections seen as the most significant in the nation's 50 years of suffrage.
Holyfield, representing the Carter Centre team of international observers, received a warmer welcome than any of the candidates and was mobbed by voters in poor suburbs as he toured polling stations in the capital. Former US President Jimmy Carter and General Colin Powell, whose parents were Jamaican, were also on hand to witness the balloting.
Peace, more than politics, was the key word as Jamaicans prayed in church services around the nation, for a voting day free of the violence of past years, notably 1980 when 800 people died. All soldiers' leave was cancelled and hospitals went on an emergency footing, but by late yesterday there were no reports of major incidents.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments