Who should replace Roger Clarke as member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland?

A date for a by-election to fill the Central Westmoreland seat left vacant with the passing of the People’s National Party’s Member of Parliament Roger Clarke is yet to be announced, but already a number of persons are eyeing the seat. The Jamaica Observer West’s Alan Lewin sought reaction on Tuesday when he visited the constituency and asked: Who do you think is most suitable to represent the constituency of Central Westmoreland?

Yolando Cazely, store manager:

We want Michael Erskine because he can sit on my court case, so we have a lawyer to represent us as our MP. We don’t want the other one them that we hear about.

Lennox Mackie, unemployed:

We don’t want Karl Blythe or Michael Erskine. Only a person from the JLP can replace Roger Clarke.

Talisha Bedward-Scarlett, sales representative:

I think Karl Blythe should get the edge. He is a kind person and he always look out for the poor people.

Shantel Wright, unemployed:

I think it should be Dr Karl Blythe. From what I heard, he is a good man and look out for the poor people as Michael Manley did. That is what I have heard from my parents.

Tasha Walker, unemployed:

Well, anyone the PNP choose is fine with me. But of the two names that are rumoured, I think Karl Blythe should get the nod.

Bernard Vanriel, PNP councillor:

I believe that the party should look outside for a replacement because the constituency calls for a lot of money. It takes a lot of money to run a by-election in a parish council division much less to run a by-election in a constituency. The persons from the parish who I hear want to run now, are bruk pocket.

But whoever the party selects to run, I will support them

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Who should replace Roger Clarke as member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland?

Roger Clarke hailed as regional giant

Roger Clarke

Christopher Serju, Star Writer

The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) has paid tribute to late agriculture minister, Roger Clarke, citing his efforts especially to promote regional agriculture as a major platform for developing Caribbean economies.

Clarke who died on August 28 will be laid to rest today in a family plot in Westmoreland, following an official funeral at the St George’s Anglican Church, Savanna-la-mar.

In a release yesterday, Dr Arlington Chesney, executive director of CARDI recalled that Clarke, who was member of parliament for Central Westmoreland at the time of his death, had a vision for agriculture that extended well beyond the shores of Jamaica.

vibrant economy

“He recognised that a sustainable agricultural sector was critical to the region having a vibrant economy and further, that the region’s agriculture could best be served if each nation were to support and/or harmonise with each other’s actions,” Dr. Chesney recounted.

He further said, “It is that belief in the importance of regional unity that made him by far the minister that has contributed the most to governance of the sector in the region and its major activities. He recognised the need to fill the void when the Standing Committee of Ministers of Agriculture was disbanded. He moved to support the creation of the Forum of Ministers.”

The CARDI executive director said Clarke gave many years of unflinching and dedicated support to CARDI, both as member and chairman of the Institute’s Board of Governors.

“As we celebrate the life of this ultimate friend of regional agriculture, on behalf of the directors, management and staff of CARDI and on my own behalf, I convey our deepest condolences to the widow, children, relatives and numerous friends of our beloved Minister Roger Clarke,” Dr Chesney said.

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Roger Clarke hailed as regional giant