Wavell Hinds, Walton Small among new PNP caretakers in western Jamaica

The People's National Party (PNP) today announced former West Indies cricketer Wavell Hinds and president of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), Dr Walton Small, among five new caretaker candidates for western Jamaica at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in St James.

The opposition party said it was ensuring that all constituencies are outfitted with representation of the highest standards and assured that all candidates have been vetted and approved by its Integrity Commission.

A well-known educator, Small is now the caretaker/candidate in the constituency of St James Southern. Small, who lectured at Sam Sharpe Teacher’s College and the University of the West Indies, also served as vice principal at St Elizabeth Technical High School and principal of Anchovy High and Wolmers’ Boys schools, respectively.

He also headed the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA).

According to the PNP, Small is ready to serve the people of St James Southern and will work to create a constituency that works for all constituents. 

Attorney-at-law Michael Hemmings will carry the PNP flag in St James East Central. A member of the Jamaican Bar Association, as well as the Cornwall Bar Association, the PNP said he will work tirelessly improve the human capital of the constituency through education, skills training and job opportunities. 

Andre Hylton, automotive specialist and operator of Andre’s Auto Supplies Co Ltd, will represent the constituency of Central St James. He formerly represented the Eastern St Andrew constituency which he lost in the 2016 general election. Hylton is described as having a deep and unflinching passion for nation building and national service. 

University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturer and economist, Dr Andre Haughton, will be the party’s representative in West Central St James, while in Eastern Hanover Hinds is now the caretaker/candidate.

Having served his country as an international cricketer and cricket administrator, Hinds is said to be ready to represent the people of Hanover Eastern as their chief advocate and ambassador.

Hinds is no stranger to service and advocacy, having been the president of the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) since 2012. He has held many other important international positions in the sport of his choice, including executive board member of the Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA), since 2014.

Meanwhile, Haughton has been described as more than a scholar and educator by the PNP. The party said he is an entrepreneur, a writer, a marketer a community worker and a man who is on a mission to build a better Jamaica.

"Dr Andre Haughton aspires to uplift the constituency of St James West Central through social and economic empowerment and ensure the improvement in the quality of life of the people from all cross sections of the constituency," it said.  

PNP General Secretary Julian Robinson said the party was pleased that these men have chosen to carry the PNP’s banner and the country will only benefit from their accumulated knowledge, vision and expertise.

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