PNP’s Shaw says canvassing shows she has the edge in St Thomas Eastern, dismisses flip-flopping concerns

People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for St Thomas Eastern, Yvonne Shaw, says internal canvassing shows her leading the race to unseat incumbent MP Michelle Charles of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in the constituency.

“We have done our canvass, and we are ahead,” said a confident Shaw shortly after filing her nomination papers at the Coke Methodist Church in Morant Bay, St Thomas. “Our chances are pretty good based on our canvass.”

The former mayor said her 26 years of unbroken service as a councillor, across both major parties, in the same division, gives her the edge and stand as testament to an efficient and trusted servant of the people.

Shaw is confident of reclaiming the seat once held by the PNP’s Dr Fenton Ferguson for six consecutive terms.

Asked to respond to criticism about her floor-crossing, she quickly brushed aside the concern, noting that she is the same person.

“I think that what is important is that I serve the people well, and that is what they are looking for.

“And I am committed to the People's National Party at this point, undoubtedly,” she said.

She pointed to her recent by-election victory in the Morant Bay Division as evidence that voters trust her. “In November, I was asked by the PNP and the people to return as their servant, and I was victorious.”

“I am the servant, not the master, and I enjoy service, representational politics, but service is my mantra,” Shaw added.

Asked if she was discounting the work done by her main rival, Michelle Charles, Shaw said she is only focused on her campaign.

“Today is not about Ms Charles. Today is about Yvonne Rose Marie Shaw and the people of Eastern St Thomas,” she said.

Pressed for an opinion, she said, “I’m still looking around to see what her record of performance is. All I can see are some green signs pointing to various places in the constituency.”

In the meantime, Shaw said, if victorious, her main priority will be to address the issues surrounding water, roads and jobs.

“Eastern St Thomas has a chronic water problem. The community roads are appalling, and the farm roads are in a deplorable state,” she said. “Unemployment is another major concern. These are the issues I hear about every day on the ground.”

- Tanesha Mundle

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