What are the intentions of Henry, Spencer, Samuda and Grange?
Published:Monday | February 4, 2019 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
75-year-old J.C. Hutchinson, member of parliament of North West St Elizabeth and deputy leader, signalled his intention by saying he’s going for another term.
His constituency is a traditional Jamaica Labour Party seat.
That seat was created in 1959, and the People’s National Party only won that seat twice, versus the Jamaica Labour Party’s 11 victories at the polls. Mr Hutchinson entered representational politics in 1976 and lost in North East St Elizabeth. He won the seat in 1980 and was member of parliament up until 1989. He sat out the 1989 general election. He was summoned back in 1991, but was beaten by the late Roger Clarke in that by-election.
He again sat out the 1993 general election. He shifted to North West St Elizabeth, where he won that seat in 1997.I believe that constituency needs a new representative.
But I don’t foresee any young Turk in the Jamaica Labour Party who can challenge the deputy leader.
Hence, it seems like J.C. Hutchinson will get another term. Derrick Smith retired, Pearnel Charles Sr isn’t inclined to go for another term, and now J.C. Hutchinson is seeking re-election.I hope the likes of Mike Henry, Rudyard Spencer, Karl Samuda and Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange announce their intentions publicly, because a general election is likely in 2020.All the names mentioned above are over 70 years old.
All except for maybe Spencer, who has been in politics from the ‘70s.
TEDDYLEE GRAY
Ocho Rios, St Ann