Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) executive member Desmond McKenzie has expressed confidence in his party securing a third term in government when the general election, which is constitutionally due this year, rolls around.

While speaking at the Area Council One Meeting on Monday, March 16, McKenzie said the constituency of South East St Andrew is in dire need of proper representation.

“This constituency requires attention; this is not a name-brand constituency. This is a constituency that has been crying out for decades for real representation, and so tonight as we gather here, I urge you, not just Labour Party people but the wider Jamaica, to look at your options,” he said.

He further implored residents in attendance to examine the work of the JLP government in order to make the right choice.

“Look at the work of Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party. You have seen the commitment of the government. Why would you make a mistake? Why would you want to sacrifice what you have for people who can’t make up their minds as to what they are about? You have a good thing in Andrew Holness. Jamaica, there is no reason why the [prime minister] and the JLP should not continue in government for a third term.

“Never before in the history of this country have we seen so many things taking place, so when a man seh nth nah gwaan, mischief them a make. They’re trying to deny Holness and the JLP their rightful place in the history books of this country, and we will never, we will never surrender to the PNP, no way,” he continued.

He also highlighted that the JLP has a team of committed Jamaicans, and so the citizens must be sober by paying attention to the works of both political parties.

“So, Labourites and fellow Jamaicans, I want you to look at both political parties and look at what we have in the JLP. We have a Dr Andrew Michael Holness. I don’t know what they have. We have a Fayval Williams. I don’t know what they have. We have a team of committed Jamaicans, and so as we begin the journey, let us be conscious in the things that we do. Never allow the PNP, never; when they used to run the country, Jamaica suffered under the PNP.”

Additionally, JLP candidate for South East St Andrew, Kevin Frith, also stated that proper management is needed in the constituency. “This is one of the greatest constituencies, both commercial and residential, and we need to tell ‘such man’ to pack his bags and go. When I go through the constituency, it is obvious that we need more innovation and stronger leadership. The disabled need help, the entrepreneurs and small businesses need guidance, young people need help, we need more community centres, the existing centres need maintenance and repair, and we need better roads.

“So far, having been in the constituency for a few weeks, we did bulky waste, we delivered a chair to the disabled, and we had a successful football and domino tournament at Jacques Road. I have been helping small businesses to restructure their businesses for growth,” he added.

Frith also emphasised that under his leadership the constituency will experience real transformation. “With a management approach that will be unique and inclusive, you, the members of the constituency, will be active decision-makers. The development of the constituency is short-term, medium-term, and long-term planning. Labourites, citizens of this constituency, I invite you to join me on this journey for prosperity for all sustainable development in our communities, peace, and love,” he said.