Sandiford-Garner calls for greater representation in St. Andrew

“I WILL always fight for St. Andrew”.

This assurance came from Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner while speaking to constituents during a recently held Democratic Labour Party, St. Andrew branch meeting.

She told the party faithful that while she will always have that parish at heart, the reality is she can be called at anytime to represent another constituency.

Her comments came as she highlighted the steps taken to get assistance on their behalf, even though she is not the sitting Member of Parliament for the area.

“I had a meeting one-on-one with the Prime Minister in the third week of January in this year. We are looking at five years post 2013 when I would have expected to see certain things happening in St. Andrew, because if I don’t do it – nobody else is going to do it!”

“This is something that we have to look at in this democratic process. I’m a candidate. I’m not an MP. I’m not a member of the Cabinet. I sit in the Cabinet when the Minister is on leave, so that is infrequently, therefore, if I want
something done for St. Andrew I have to write or call.”

“We have a sitting MP who is paid some $8 000- $9 000 per month plus $2 500 in an allowance for the constituency for individuals who have issues... .Nobody speaks about cutting their salaries in half, because they do not work for their money. However the candidates who happen to be members of the government that is in, are expected to do their eight-five jobs or eight-eight jobs, and still represent people,” she remarked.

She challenged that St. Andrew needs an MP who will work on their behalf by standing up in Parliament and highlighting the needs. “We don’t have anybody out there in a prominent position in the House of Assembly to speak across the floor of his colleagues and asks for what he wants. Cynthia Forde does it for St. Thomas,” she argued.

“At the end of the day, all of this leaves me to say, that St. Andrew has to decide what they want... .If St. Andrew wants to see real change they have to make me the MP,” she stated. (JH)