Lucius walks again

• Former police commish opts out of representational politics

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

He has been working the grounds of the North West St Ann constituency for the past year, wrapping up support for the next general election, which is constitutionally due by September next year, but retired police commissioner Lucius Thomas has had a change of heart and is opting out of representational politics.

"He has decided not to contest the seat, due to family pressure and concerns about his health," an influential source from the constituency told The Gleaner.

Thomas, who was born and grew up in the farming district of Murray Mountain, in St Ann, and aspired to represent his parish at the highest level, declined to speak on the matter when contacted yesterday.

"I have no comment at this time," the retired police commissioner said.

Support for successor

While he will be stepping down as the caretaker/member of parliament for the constituency, Thomas will be throwing his support behind the person who is selected to represent the party in his place.

Reports reaching The Gleaner are that Thomas was rushed from his home last weekend to a hospital in Kingston, where he was treated for an ailment.

"He took the decision a few days later," the constituency source said.

Deputy General Secretary of the People's National Party (PNP) Julian Robinson told a member of The Gleaner's news team that he was unaware of Thomas' decision and promised to meet and discuss the matter with him.

Thomas, who served as police commissioner for two years and nine months, resigned from that post shortly after the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) won the 2007 general election. He had been a member of the police force for more than 30 years.

In April 2010, he defeated St Ann's Bay Mayor Ivan Anderson in a contest to gain the right to represent the PNP in the constituency. Some 312 delegates voted in favour of Thomas, while Anderson managed to pick up 58 votes. The seat is currently held by the JLP's Othneil Lawrence.

glenroy.sinclair@gleanerjm.com