DLP North candidates ready to rumble

THE Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidates from the north of the island are ready to contest the upcoming General Election.

On Wednesday led by candidate for St. Lucy Denis Kellman, candidate for St. Peter Dave Cumberbatch and candidate for St. Joseph Denis Holder arrived at the Treasury Department located in the National Housing Corporation to pay in the mandatory $250 deposit to contest the elections come May 24.

Speaking to the media briefly on Wednesday after exiting the building, Kellman stated that he feels comfortable. “We have a job to do. We have done a very good job in some difficult times, but you know in life, if you do not have a challenge – you do not have anything to conquer. Too many people bellyache whenever they have a challenge. Life is about some challenges and solving them.”

Kellman said he is not concerned about his opponents but is more focused on the constituents of St. Lucy. “I think there are things that I have to do for them and I will try to complete those things.”

Noting that he is one of the longest serving members of Parliament, he said he is in company with Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, candidate for St. Michael North Ronald Toppin and candidate for St. Andrew George Payne. “So when they say I have been in parliament too long they are actually admitting that they should go and the reason they should go is they served 14 years in the Cabinet whereas I only served seven,” he said.

Meanwhile candidate for St. Joseph, Denis Holder, who came up short in the 2013 election said he is ready this time around. “I might have been in the race a little late last time and I probably did not have enough time to get through the constituency on the last occasion. Having been on the ground lounger, I feel much better. I think more people know me now. I have established myself in the constituency and the response is very good. I expect change in St. Joseph,” he said.

Holder said a major concern expressed by constituents that even though St. Joseph has primarily been a stronghold of the BLP, there has been little to show for it on the ground.

“I have already put in place a number of things I have put in place to boost the representation. The youth are asking for activities.”

Holder said he has worked on the refurbishment of the play park in St. Elizabeth and will move on to one in Blackmans. He said he has also been able to coordinate with the depot of the Ministry of Transport and Works to repave a by-pass road for the troublesome Joe’s River bridge.

“I am pleased I have been able to achieve some things in St. Joseph even though I am not the MP for the area. I always say St. Joseph is fortunate. They have two representatives. The one that is paid by government and one that volunteers his services,” he mused.

First timer in St. Peter, Dave Cumberbatch, says he too feels good about his chances in the race.

He said the constituents have been asking for assistance with jobs, not necessarily from government, but to own their own businesses. “That has been the centre of my philosophy. I believe the economy must be small business driven and I am working hand in hand to ensure those who are desirous of owning their own businesses do so, by providing information, providing advice and so on,” he said. (JH)