Kerr-Jarrett leaving representational politics
PAULA Kerr-Jarrett yesterday told the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) that she would be resigning as its caretaker for Eastern Hanover and described the decision as difficult, but one she had to take as her involvement in her family business is limiting the time she can spend representing her constituents.
Kerr-Jarrett said she relayed her decision to JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang, after which she met with the Eastern Hanover constituency executive and told them of her intention to step down.
“My decision has been perhaps one of the most difficult decisions I have faced,” she said in a statement. “Over the past three years, from the day following my election loss, I have shown my commitment to the people of Eastern Hanover, as I continued to spend time, energy and resources in my efforts to improve the lives of those lacking opportunity.
“My ongoing presence in the constituency has allowed me to develop a special relationship and connection with the those living in the constituency, and this has in fact made my decision to leave representational politics a much harder one. However, there is never a ‘perfect’ time to make a hard decision, and after much thought and consultations with my family and others who have supported me in my efforts, I truly believe that this is the right decision for me and, more importantly, is in the best interests of the people of Eastern Hanover,” said Kerr-Jarrett, a newcomer to representational politics who contested the December 2011 General Election and lost by a mere 251 votes to veteran People’s National Party politician Dr DK Duncan.
Despite the loss, Kerr-Jarrett, the daughter of long-time JLP treasurer Christopher Bovell, has been juggling her work in the constituency with her responsibilities in her family business.
Yesterday, in her statement, the attorney and philanthropist made reference to that struggle.
“In the last year it has become necessary for me to be more active in my family business, which involves a large amount of overseas travel as well as providing critical support for my children who are studying overseas,” she said.
“These private business efforts, although contributing in a large way to the prosperity of the western region, potentially providing some 1,000 jobs by the end of this year, have, from a constituency perspective, proven to be a distraction from what I thought would be my primary role over the next few years, that of directly serving the people of Eastern Hanover. As a result, I find myself unable to give the time and attention I feel is critical to truly be a worthy representative,” she said.
She thanked the members of her management team and executive, as well as the party workers who supported her over the last three years, and the people of Eastern Hanover who, she said, gave her the opportunity to speak on their behalf.
“Finally, I would like to make clear that, despite my withdrawal from active politics, as a patriotic Jamaican, with my country’s best interests at the forefront of all my endeavours, I remain committed to Jamaica’s economic growth and development,” Kerr-Jarrett said.
“My wish is that we work together as one nation to put our country first, as I intend to continue to do, contributing wherever possible to Jamaica’s success as a nation,” she added.