HAMPSTEAD, St Mary — First-time candidate Viviene Silvera has her sights set on being the first woman to represent the People’s National Party (PNP) in the Hampstead Division of the constituency of St Mary Central.

She will have to get past the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) veteran Mitsey Hudson, who entered representational politics in 2016 after the death of the sitting councillor, Oliver Barton.

Silvera believes she can do it.

“Just like [former prime minister and party leader Michael] Manley, I love the people that I wish to serve. I am a worker that will work for the people,” said the woman who credits Manley’s philosophies and ideology for her foray into politics.

She is confident she can dethrone Hudson because of her vigour and passion to go beyond the call of duty.

“Since I have thrown in my hat to represent the people of Hampstead Division, I have been there with them during COVID, during their successes and failures. [I’ve been there] for everyone; the young and the old. Whether they support my party or not I’m there for them,” Silvera told the
Jamaica Observer.

According to her, Hudson’s representation of the division has been lacking and the incumbent has failed to provide the basic amenities such as roads and water.

“When I am elected I will ensure that no stone is unturned. I will work towards getting proper parochial roads in the Tremolesworth community, better water supply for the Hampstead community, along with ensuring Heywood Hall gets a bridge. [I will give] more attention to the one primary school there and the health centre. People need proper representation and I am ready to give that,” Silvera promised.

The PNP candidate urged electors to take a close look at their current representation to determine if they are satisfied.

“Viviene Silvera is a worker who believes in the ability of her people. I will be a councillor that is accessible, one that will work with the people and for the people,” she vowed.

She will have to loosen the JLP’s historic grip on the division.

The JLP’s Barton, who is a former deputy mayor of Port Maria, held the division from 2003 until his death in 2016. Hudson then held onto the seat, garnering 1,701 votes to 1,101 for the PNP’s Garick Shaw.