IN the heart of the Norman Gardens Division, a traditional People’s National Party (PNP) stronghold, independent candidate George Williams stands confident in his abilities to sway voters in the upcoming local government elections.

Williams is a pastor who has resided in the Rockfort community for more than 30 years.

In an interview with the
Jamaica Observer Williams said he has dedicated much of his life to serving his community and is often the person residents rely on to air their concerns about water issues and violence in the community.

The independent candidate said that on Ash Wednesday, February 14, he went on a campaign in the division to rally supporters and encountered many residents who said that he had their vote, as they were expressing their respect and appreciation for his work in the area.

According to Williams, that support has encouraged him to press on, despite self-doubt and comments from family members who discouraged him from participating in the 2016 local government elections because his effort would be in vain.

“It’s a burden on me each time I put it off because of what people had to say. This time mi nah draw back, mi a go ahead and do it. Win, lose, or draw mi ago do it so that the people have a choice. It’s not just about being a winner. Mi ah follow mi heart and decide seh mi wah represent di people them like this and mi a put up myself forward [as a candidate],” he told the
Observer.

The long-awaited local government elections are scheduled to take place next Monday and Williams is among 36 independent candidates nominated on February 8.

He will face the PNP’s Jacqueline Lewis, who was appointed caretaker-candidate for Norman Gardens Division when she defeated Racquel Hall in a 2017 internal election.

The independent candidate will also be challenged by Charmaine Simspson, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)-nominated candidate for the division.

“I can win. I have no doubt about it. It is the people’s choice. The people want me, and I am on the ballot. If I wasn’t there on the ballot like the previous election, I wouldn’t have a chance, but I am there now, so they have a choice,” said Williams.

“Most people not talking, but based on what I see when I walk the street, the people are glad to see me. Some whisper to me and tell me ‘yes, a me them a vote for’, while some just look, shake my hand, and carry on because they know the temperature of the place,” he added.

Williams argued that the division needs leadership, noting that crime and violence have caused the area to hit a downward slope.

“The people are looking for leadership. They might not be saying it out loud, but from what I can see happening they really need it,” he said.

If elected, the independent candidate said he would tackle long-standing water issues that have forced residents on many occasions to catch water from the Rock Springs or store water in drums in anticipation of the usual drought, an inconvenience he said he has received mounting reports about.

Williams also pointed to the lack of green spaces where residents can relax, fellowship, and engage in recreational activities. He said that where there are green spaces, for the most part, they are run-down and in dire need of repair.

According to Williams, the rehabilitation of these parks and green areas would be on his list of priorities if elected. However, his first move would be to hear the requests of the people.

“If I do win, I will sit with each section of the community to find out what they would want me to tackle first. I see some things to be done, but I prefer to hear from the people because a dem mi a work fah. It’s not me,” said Williams.