Adrian Frater, News Editor
People's National Party (PNP) candidate for the Eastern Westmoreland seat, Luther Buchanan, gives the camera the thumbs up during a church service yesterday at the Greater Highway Deliverance Temple in New Roads, Westmoreland. He is sitting next to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller who was in the parish to offer support to the PNP candidate. -
DALTON LAING PHOTO
WESTERN BUREAU:
FOLLOWING THE recent Nomination Day exercise in Darliston, Eastern Westmoreland, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller told Luther Buchanan, the candidate for the ruling People's National Party (PNP), that he had an extremely large pair of boots to fill.
While she spoke in symbolic language, Mrs. Simpson Miller was speaking to the fact that Mr. Buchanan was seeking to replace former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who, except for his 1980 defeat to Euphemia Williams, has been the Member of Parliament since the late 1960s.
Outside of Mr. Patterson's personal success, the constituency has been a bastion of PNP power since Universal Adult Suffrage was granted in 1944. In fact, outside of Mr. Patterson's one defeat in the 1980 General Election, the Jamaica Labour Party has never had any real cause to celebrate in Eastern Westmoreland.
"Replacing Mr. Patterson is not going to be an easy task but I am going to do my very best to justify the faith the party has placed in me," said Mr. Buchanan, who was elevated to the slot after the party's original choice, his older brother Dr. Norman Buchanan died suddenly after being selected to replace Mr. Patterson.
"I am not a newcomer to politics, I grew up around politics," continued Mr. Buchanan, who is nephew on both sides of his family to Water and Housing Minister Donald Buchanan and PNP Senator Noel Monteith. "I am the sitting councillor for the Leamington division so I know what representing people is all about."
AMBITIOUS AGENDA
In terms of plans and programmes, Mr. Buchanan has an ambitious agenda for the constituency as he seeks to build on, and safeguard what he has described as, "The P.J. Patterson legacy."
His development plan includes continuing the infrastructural development in terms of the water supply system, road network, telephone and information technology, social amenities such as housing, education, sporting facilities and health care; and economic development in the areas of tourism, agriculture, fishery and job creation.
In terms of experience, Mr. Buchanan will not only have his experienced uncles in his corner, but Mr. Patterson has stated unequivocally that he will be available to offer whatever assistance he might be required to give.
"In whatever way the candidate needs or desire, I will be available," said Mr. Patterson, who accompanied Mr. Buchanan to the nomination centre. "I will be here for him if he needs me."
