Lisa Hanna, the veteran People’s National Party (PNP) member of parliament for the South East St Ann, has decided to bow out of representational politics at the end of her current term.

Hanna, who was first elected to Parliament in 2007, will therefore step away before hitting the 20-year landmark as an MP, as the next general election is constitutionally due in 2025.

The former Miss World and media practitioner, in a letter to PNP President Mark Golding, said: “I have always been a champion of change and having the courage to do what’s right even when it’s not expedient or self-serving, as I believe courage has an obligation to pave new roads for the generation coming behind us.

CHANGED MY LIFE IMMENSELY

“As such, I have recently decided to conclude my current journey in representational politics at the end of this term.

“Therefore, I will not be offering myself as the party’s candidate in the next general election when it is called, a decision I have communicated to my constituency executive. I trust this early notice will give constituency delegates adequate time to go through a selection process to select a candidate of their choice, which is their constitutional right. I remain available to serve at your consideration in the Shadow Cabinet as Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.”

Hanna recalled that in 2007, then Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller invited her to join the PNP and be the party’s standard bearer in South East St Ann, a move she said “changed my life immensely” as it allowed her to serve Jamaica in a new capacity.

“Over the last 15 years, I have found this experience quite satisfying; it allowed me the privilege to serve as an elected Member of Parliament, Cabinet minister, on the national scene, and at the party level as regional chairman and treasurer,” Hanna said.

“This opportunity will always be a part of me as it reshaped the foundations of my thinking and will forever guide my perspective.

“The PNP has always believed in equal opportunity for all regardless of station in life. This fundamental philosophy has driven our actions to propel solutions for national prosperity through building the economic base of Jamaica from the bottom up. We have always been the party with a heart, the people’s party that is in touch with the grassroots and committed to ensuring no Jamaican is left behind.

“However, for any organisation to survive and be relevant to successive global environments and markets, it must be responsive and change with the times, seeking modern approaches to getting things done.

“This does not mean changing our core principles, mission, or value proposition but rather, embracing modern communication, applying our principles to 21st Century challenges, empowering the next generation, and, most importantly, attracting and retaining the right talents to get the job done.

“I have no doubt, Party Leader, that once the PNP can recalibrate its approaches to reignite and reinforce these core tenets within the minds and hearts of Jamaicans to inspire their imagination and aspire towards a better future, our party will form the next government.”

In extending gratitude to several mentors along her political path, Hanna highlighted former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, Simpson Miller, Former Party President Dr Peter Phillips, KD Knight, John Junor, and Dr Omar Davies.

She also thanked her husband, Richard Lake, her son, Alexander, for “their unyielding love and support”.

Said Hanna: “My sincere appreciation to my constituency executive, constituency office staff over the years, my SESA campaign teams, managers, election workers, group members, and of course, to the people of SESA who entrusted me to represent them in Parliament for four terms. I made a commitment to represent you and will continue to serve you with grace and fervor through the conclusion of my term. And finally, thank you to my parliamentary colleagues, the many friends I met along this inspirational journey, especially my dearest friend Natalie Neita-Garvey, my gratitude to you always.

“It has not always been easy; the political baptisms of fire were often unrelenting and excruciating. I have many times stood alone on principle, which was perceived as unreasonable and misunderstood. But on the whole, the collective experience has bolstered my character, sharpened my fighting skills, and prepared me well for the next chapter of my life’s journey.

“I am, and will always remain grateful to the PNP, and wish you the very best as you lead the movement towards victory at the polls and the formation of the next government.”