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First-timer
gunning as NDM upsetter
By
Devon Evans, Freelance Writer
ST.
ANN'S BAY:
THE
SURPRISE entry of civil engineer David Abrikian of the NDM/NJA
in the contest for South West St. Ann has forced his counterparts
from both the PNP and the JLP to step up their campaigns in
order not to lose support.
In
the 1997 General Election, the NDM candidate received four
per cent of the popular votes, while the PNP candidate won
with a mere five per cent margin.
Unlike
the other two candidates, Abrikian has no roots in South West
St. Ann, but grew up in Brown's Town in the neighbouring constituency
of North West St. Ann. He is a first-timer in representational
politics and says his aim is to help improve the state of
political representation in the country. He believes that
it is important for people who want to see a change in the
political system to get involved and try to help bring about
those changes from within.
Abrikian
described South West St. Ann as a very poor constituency that
requires a whole lot, in terms of development, to improve
the lives of the people. He said the constituency mostly depends
on farming and suggests that certain crops such as coffee
and ginger, with international marketing potential, be identified
and fully utilised to create income earning opportunities
for residents. He said also that there is great earning potential
for various types of yams and vegetables.
One
of the concerns of the NDM/NJA candidate is what he described
as "an under-supply of schools in the constituency to
meet the need of children in the area". He also wants
to see further improvement in water supplies, roads and health
facilities.
He
admits that the PNP incumbent tries to do a fair amount of
work, but said he still sees the need for a lot more things
to be done in the constituency.
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