Smith

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has started to consider a possible replacement for ailing Minister of Mining and Telecommunications Derrick Smith in the North West St Andrew constituency.

Smith has been off the job since April, dealing with a major illness which has so far required two surgeries.

The second surgery was performed in the United States last month and Smith is expected to return to the island on Sunday.

However, it is not yet certain when he will resume duties as minister and leader of government business in the House of Representatives.

But even as the JLP prepares for the return of its senior deputy leader, sources said the party has already started making provisions in the event that his illness forces him out of representational politics.

Audley Gordon

According to the sources, two senators and the sitting councillor for the Hughen-den division, Audley Gordon, are among the front-runners to replace Smith.

The sources refused to name the senators, but indications are that at least one is a Cabinet member.

Yesterday, Gordon told The Gleaner he was not aware of any plan to replace the ailing Smith.

Gordon and the other councillor in the constituency, Veron McLeod, have been overseeing the constituency in Smith's absence.

But Gleaner sources were adamant that talks have already started, even as the party awaits more information on Smith's condition.

The 64-year-old Smith had been appointed minister of national security after the JLP's victory in the polls last September.

Shifted in may

He was shifted to a new Ministry of Mining and Telecommunications in May, as Prime Minister Bruce Golding paved the way for Colonel Trevor MacMillan to take over the national security portfolio.

At that time, Golding suggested Smith's health problem was the reason for the shift.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ken Baugh supported Golding and told The Gleaner at that time there was no doubt that Smith was compromised by his injury and possibly would require further surgery.