( L - R ) Witter, Horne

Rayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer

The constituency of St. Elizabeth South East is traditionally known for its strong voter population, people who are predominantly farmers.

The history of the constituency suggests very limited economic activity goes on there outside of farming until, of course, in recent times. The community of Junction, for instance, has been transformed into a major business district.

The constituency has traditionally been a People's National Party (PNP) - dominated seat since its creation in 1944. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has only won the seat twice out of the seven contested general elections since then.

The JLP is running his worship, the Mayor of Black River and Councillor for the Junction division, Franklyn Witter, while the PNP has as its candidate one-time JLP Senator Norman Horne.

Like any other constituency, St. Elizabeth South East has its fair share of challenges: The deplorable conditions of many farm roads, inadequate infrastructure in all public schools, the lack of assistance to farmers, as well as a lack of potable water.

Serious concern

Lenroy Blackwood said: "This has been a problem for many years. We have been experiencing a major shortage of piped water in this section of St. Elizabeth. We don't want any more MP who is going to come with a bag of talk, we need a lot of positive action," he declared.

Judine Brown, a member of the constituency, told The Gleaner of an issue just as pressing, when she voiced concerns about a lack of jobs. She said too that many young people, who graduate from high school, are unable to continue their education. She said that whoever becomes the next Member of Parliament should come with solutions for these problems.

"Promising me this and that cannot guarantee me and the other people of the constituency proper representation. What is needed is someone who has the will to perform and is focused on the needs of the residents. Whether it's the JLP or PNP, our MP should be able to identify the needs of the constituency, and make quality representation accordingly," said Brown.

A businesswoman in Junction noted that social development is very important to the constituency and this will need to be seriously addressed by the new MP. She said that the post-election period will be very important as it relates to infrastructure and other areas of development.

She said: "South East St. Elizabeth has been suffering over the years from bad roads and while I am not biased to any of the candidates, whoever wins the seat needs, most of all, to give significant attention to the bad roads in the constituency."