By John Myers Jr and Petrina Francis, Staff Reporters 
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Edward Seaga with supporters on the campaign trail in September 2002. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
THE ANNOUNCEMENT yesterday of Edward Seaga's impending retirement as Member of Parliament for Western Kingston after 43 years of unbroken service to the constituency, sparked widespread expressions of disappointment from constituents who have supported him over the years.
A statement from Mr. Seaga's office yesterday said he advised constituency delegates of his resignation at a meeting in West Kingston Tuesday night. According to the statement, Mr. Seaga said he was "obliged to give up his involvement in active politics to make himself available for selection to a high ranking academic position at the University of the West Indies (UWI) which would be decided by the end of January (2005)."
Yesterday, residents of Tivoli Gardens, a West Kingston community with strong allegiance to Mr. Seaga, reacted to his decision to retire as their parliamentary representative. A dejected Tiny Sparkes said, "I cried (because) I miss him and I love him next to God. I don't feel please because he came in his youthful days and stayed with us. I wasn't looking for him to go dat way. I feel sad because I love him and he loves the poor people... he knows to rule the people; he stands with us, talks with us, he feeds us..."
Puncie Sparkes, who was attired in a bright green dress, spoke fondly of the man whom she said had transformed the
lives of the people of the inner-city community. "I miss him for him too good to us. Him tek care a we and de old people dem," she recounted.
LIKE A FATHER
"Mi feel hurt because he is like a father to us," said Barbara Jackson.
Others felt Mr. Seaga's resignation was premature. "Him shoulda gi wi likkle bit more time, him is very nice and very good to wi. Him is like a father, mother and everyting to wi, him is very good. The party will come back, but it will tek a time.
"Mi nuh want him fi guh sah," asserted 73-year-old Hazel Harris.
According to yesterday's statement, Mr. Seaga had to comfort delegates who broke down in tears over his disclosure during Tuesday night's meeting, assuring them he would still be actively involved in non-political programmes such as sports, culture and education. He promised that he would be a frequent visitor to the area.
Talking to The Gleaner yesterday, Tivoli Gardens residents expressed the desire for Mr. Seaga to be succeeded by Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, the current MP for Central St. Catherine or Desmond McKenzie, the mayor of Kingston and Councillor for the area. However, Mr. McKenzie has since refused the offer, saying he preferred to remain in his current position.
Contacted by The Gleaner Ms. Grange said she would have to first consult with her constituents in Central St. Catherine before accepting the position. "I can't answer that now because I have an extended family over in Central St. Catherine, so I wouldn't be in a position at this time to make a public comment," she said.
Meanwhile, officers of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) yesterday paid tribute to Mr. Seaga on hearing of his decision to step down as MP. "He has been a model of service to the people of West Kingston. His dedication, hard work and efficiency as MP is unparalleled and should be emulated by all of us," said Audley Shaw, a deputy leader.
CULTURAL EXPLOSION
Karl Samuda, general secretary of the JLP, told The Gleaner that Mr. Seaga has served his constituency well and "through his efforts, we have experienced an almost cultural explosion in West Kingston."
Said Mr. Samuda: "We in the JLP are quite satisfied that he will be available to give us counselling and guidance. We wish him God's speed."
Added Bruce Golding, chairman of the JLP: "I think we are witnessing (the end of) a significant chapter in (the history of) Jamaica. I think we have to respect a batsman who has batted for a long time."
Derrick Smith, leader of opposition business in the House of Representatives, said it was going to take a very long time to appreciate and get accustomed to Mr. Seaga not being in Parliament or active in every day politics and in particular MP for West Kingston.
Mr. Seaga won the Western Kingston constituency in 10 successive elections. His first win was on April 10, 1962.
