Samuda Defends Move to Call By-Election in NESA

Presumptive candidate for the Jamaica Labour Party in the North East St. Ann by-election, Matthew Samuda, is defending the government’s decision to call the by-election in North East St. Ann. 

The opposition People’s National Party, PNP, says the decision by the prime minister to call only one by-election, when there’s been a year long vacancy in one other constituency, plus another looming vacancy in another come the end of October, is a sign of desperation.

But speaking on Nationwide at Five on Wednesday, Mr. Samuda rejected that reasoning.

Matthew Samuda, presumptive candidate for the JLP in the North East St. Ann by-election.

Southern Trelawny has been without a member of parliament, MP, since September last year, following the resignation of Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert.

And come the end of October, North West St. Andrew, will also be without an MP as Dr. Nigel Clarke, will vacate the seat.

When pressed for a date for those by elections, the prime minister would only say this.

Prime Minister, Andrew Holness.