By Devon Evans, Freelance WriterST. 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.
