( L - R ) Henry, Mcgill

George Henry, Gleaner Writer

When the polls open on August 27, the 20,520 voters who are currently on the voters' list in Central Clarendon will have the choice of re-electing Member of Parliament (MP) Michael Lester Henry of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), who has been serving for six terms, or Neil McGill of the People's National Party (PNP).

Whoever comes out victorious will have job creation, road conditions, health care and crime as the main issues to be addressed.

Job creation a priority

Sadie McGill told The Gleaner she has been living in Central Clarendon for more than 60 years.

She said much development has taken place in the region over the years, but she wants job creation to be a priority when the election is over and the Member of Parliament is elected.

"After the election I would like the MP to do all that is possible to ensure that the youths can get jobs. There is a large number of young people in Central Clarendon or in May Pen who have absolutely nothing to do, and because there is too many idle hands around, the place is like madness," said McGill.

She believes that if given a start, either by way of grants or through some form of loan at very low rates ofinterest, many young people would get a boost to either start some farming or start a small business, thereby creating a livelihood for themselves.

Financial support

The senior citizen pointed out that many of the youths in the constituency would like to work or further their education, but because they do not have financial support, many are falling through the cracks. She asserts that if given the chance to do agriculture, many young people would get involved, but that would be dependent on them getting a push-start by a funding agency like the Micro Investment Development Agency.

She also wants the new MP to do all possible to have the many interior roads that are in poor condition repaired, as they are having a negative effect on the residents' ability to move in and out of their communities.

Many constituents pointed out that despite the existence of the May Pen Hospital in Central Clarendon, persons have had to travel as far away as the Mandeville, Spanish Town and Kingston Public hospitals for some forms of treatment.

They want the May Pen facility to be expanded and services there improved.

Crime is also a major concern for constituents in Central Clarendon. However, according to many with whom The Gleaner spoke, the problem cannot be solved only by the crime fighters.

george.henry@gleanerjm.com