By Barbara Ellington, Contributor
The McKenzies: Marcia and Desmond, seated, and behind them are sons Matthew, left, and Marcus. - Carlington Wilmot photo
SHE HAS earned his share of admirers and detractors over the years but there is one loyal and stabilising force in the life of newly-elected Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation Mayor Desmond McKenzie. She is his wife, friend and partner of 25 years, Marcia McKenzie.
Many have speculated about who she is and why she has avoided the limelight all these years. She provided answers to these and other questions in an exclusive interview with Outlook last week.
After graduating from Trench Town Comprehensive High School, the young Marcia worked as a pre-trained teacher for two years before moving to on to Serv-Well Marketing Company for 17 years. She worked in the Personnel and Accounting Departments until five years ago when she packed it in to become a home-maker.
Evidence of her expertise in her new role can be seen upon entering the McKenzies' Waterloo, St. Andrew home. The lawn is perfectly manicured and edged by gerberas about to bloom; the patio is enhanced by catalaya and dendrobium orchids and upon observation, Mrs. McKenzie admits to having a "green thumb".
The aroma of Sunday dinner wafts in the air as we settle down for the interview.
"I decided to stay home and take care of the family because of Desmond's busy schedule," she said in response to the question from Outlook. Family pet Booh refuses to be ignored and runs from lap to lap as if wanting to be a part of the conversation.
The couple first met in 1976 when Desmond was president of Young Jamaica, the youth arm of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Describing herself as a private person, Mrs. McKenzie admits that like other marriages, theirs has had its ups and downs. "It's been rough at times on the boys and me and so we keep out of the limelight," she said recalling her first scary encounter while pregnant with Marcus. "It was in the turbulent years of two-party political rivalry and it made me so nervous that I vowed that the children would be kept away from the harsh glare of public scrutiny."
In spite of the negatives, her elder son Marcus who is currently pursuing a degree in Communications and Film at the Los Angeles City College, has expressed his intention to enter politics when he gets to his late 30s.
The McKenzies' other son, Matthew, just completed fifth form at Wolmer's Boys' School and also plans to follow in his father's footsteps and study Music and Engineering. The marriage produced two sons but the Mayor has three other children.
Music
The Mayor's keen interest in music is well known and a visit to his music room reveals floor to ceiling shelves of vinyl 45s, long playing records, CDs and cassettes as well as sophisticated music equipment juxtaposed with some vintage pieces.
When in his music sanctuary, Matthew says they can approach Daddy with any request and get a positive response. So, how does the family cope with Dad's long absences from home? Mrs. McKenzie who is one of six children said she had the love and support from her mother (now deceased), and her sister. "My mother always told me not to allow the time apart get me down. When Dad (she affectionately calls him Dad, he calls her Moms), is away, he calls home at least four times a day to make sure everything is alright. He is a provider and we can depend on him to take care of us."
Bark worse than bite
Mrs. McKenzie revealed that the Mayor may appear rough to some but at home his bark is worse than his bite. Both share in the discipline of the children but she's the stern one. "However, when Dad gets really angry, he is a force to be reckoned with." Both are on the same page where the boys' education is concerned but Moms is the one who transports them to and from school and other activities. "Because of his schedule, I usually attend the school conferences with teachers but as soon as I leave he's on the phone eager to know what went on."
Younger son Matthew joined the conversation to talk about his parents and describes his father as, "dependable, loving and caring. He's not fussy, he's laid-back but miserable at times. Mommy is the strongest one in our family; she's cool, miserable at times but I can always depend on her and I wouldn't change my parents for anything."
Marcus echoed the same sentiments adding, "Daddy's a take-charge and no-nonsense person and very family-oriented but Mommy is the backbone she's like the assistant nurse and Daddy the doctor. They are two loving parents."
As they listen, pride is etched on the senior McKenzies' faces and they contemplate exchanging glances before sharing their views of each other.
"Desmond's greatest assets are his driving ambition, care for his family and determination to achieve. He is the foundation of our family," Mrs. McKenzie says, smiling broadly.
The Mayor, in reflection says, "Anyone who stays with me as long as Marcia has, possesses unusual qualities, we both know where we are coming from; we have learnt from our experiences and they have helped us bond more closely. If I were to do this all over, I would cut out the negative parts. My life had been good because she has brought a level of control, discipline and support that very few women would have demonstrated. Humility is her strongest asset."
Worry
There have been speculations about the nature of the relationship between many politicians and the scores of women with whom they must interact daily. Has this been a source of concern for Mrs. McKenzie?
"Yes, I worry but my mother always told me not to dwell on negatives because Desmond loves his family. There have been quarrels and some of my friends say I give him too much space but we have always been able to talk things through and he admits when he is wrong. And to his credit, he is always careful to avoid arguments in front of the boys. He always says, 'I don't want that kind of example for my sons'."
Fruits of his labour
Mrs. McKenzie is happy that her husband is realising the fruits of his hard work. Her reaction to news of his elevation to the position of Senator was thankful relief. "When I got the telephone call, I said, 'Thank you Jesus, thank you'." Putting her reaction in context, she explained that because her husband did not have the benefit of a traditional high school/university education, many did not expect him to reach this far. "But he is always reading and eager to learn," she days.
His appointment as Mayor was anticipated with caution. Mrs. McKenzie told Outlook that she monitors the media daily for her husband and in the run-up to the Local Government elections she thought the JLP had a good chance of winning. She said she even predicted the win but Desmond was more cautious telling her that they were working hard but she shouldn't get her hopes up.
"On election night I was not surprised and even though I called him at party headquarters to congratulate him, but I did not go to join in the celebration. I just don't like the limelight."
She is happy he is Mayor and stood proudly by his side at the swearing-in ceremony. She would love to see him succeed at the job and although she is still thinking about how she can be involved, she would prefer to work with children or the elderly.
A member of the Kiwanis Club of East St. Andrew, Mrs. McKenzie chairs the Sponsored Youth Programme and shares her husband's desire to have the May Pen Cemetery cleaned and returned to its former state of decency. She also wants to see to see all public parks become places that everyone can enjoy in safety and comfort.
"I am also concerned about the state of the markets and would love to see them clean enough for our women to sell their goods in dignity."
