Wallace anticipates that persons might be wary of his loyalty but he recalls that families are sometimes on opposite sides in politics.

Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland:

Amid claims that he is a cloaked Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporter, businessman and Member of Parliament aspirant for Central Westmoreland, Carey Wallace, is stoutly defending his allegiance to the People's National Party (PNP).

"My brother was a JLP Senator and I had another brother who ran for councillor in Sav-la-Mar for the JLP. My father is a supporter of the JLP, so it's just that I grew up in a family that is known to be JLP," Wallace recently told The Sunday Gleaner.

He is going against four other contenders, including consultant Paul Buchanan, who is regarded as the primary contender in the race.

"I have never joined a party until 2002 when I filled out a form and joined the PNP. So it's just a classic case of growing up and making an educated, calculated and intelligent choice and I chose the PNP despite the odds."

Wary of his loyalty

Mr. Wallace said that he anticipates that persons might be wary of his loyalty but he recalls that families are sometimes on opposite sides in politics. "We've seen the case of Winston and Tony Spaulding, Roy and Ken McNeil and Percival Broderick and his father, so to me the criteria should be whether the person is qualified to lead the constituency."

"My joining the PNP is not endorsing the problems it has had but, certainly, embracing the good policies," Mr. Wallace commented.

Describing the intended resignation of sitting Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Dr. Karl Blythe as a divine intervention, Mr. Wallace said he was inspired to come forward to represent the constituents. Touting the slogan 'Carey Cares', the 38-year-old businessman is confident that he has the formula to build the constituency.

"All we need is dedication, instilling the right values and attitudes in the minds of people and employment."

He says the resources are available but, "There is a need for the right management, leadership and drive to translate those resources into employment for the people."

"It should be whether the person has a track record of caring about people, the education level, the drive, the enthusiasm and the ideas. The issue should be where do we go from here?"

- Dalton Laing