Dear Editor,

I recently discovered that this year March marked 30 unbroken years since Member of Parliament (MP) for Manchester North Eastern Audley Shaw entered the House of Parliament as our MP.

As one of his constituents and someone who has followed his political career over the years, I think MP Shaw has performed admirably as a servant of the people. There are very few MPs in Jamaica today who have stayed close to the people throughout their political careers as he has. Despite the lumps and bumps, highs and lows in his career, he never lost connection with the ordinary man. His stewardship of the constituency is an object lesson in political representation.

His recent omission from the Cabinet by Prime Minister Andrew Holness may be a sign that he is at the tail end of his political career. As someone who I deeply admire, I would encourage MP Shaw not to allow this legacy that accompanies his record as the longest serving MP in the history of Manchester to fade with the passage of time. I am humbly suggesting that he meets with his constituents and outline his future plans regarding representation of the constituency. I have seen too often the absence of a smooth transition when long-standing MPs like Shaw decide to call it quits.

It is my humble opinion that the road ahead will be rockier than the one left behind by MP Shaw whenever he decides to call it quits.

On behalf of the constituents in Manchester North Eastern, I want to publicly thank MP Shaw for 30 wonderful years of political representation of the people and Jamaica. In the words of the late country and western singer Kenny Rogers, “When you put your heart in it, it can take you anywhere.” I dedicate the rest of the song to you MP Audley Fitzalbert Shaw. The word is always love!

Andre AO Wellington

Justice of the peace

Manchester

andrewwellington344@yahoo.com