New MP for St. Ann North East Sworn In
By: , October 9, 2024
Photo: Mark Bell
New Member of Parliament for St. Ann North East, Matthew Samuda, takes the Oath of Allegiance during the sitting of the House of Representatives on October 8. At right is Acting Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Chesanne Brandon.The Full Story
Newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for St. Ann North East, Matthew Samuda, was sworn in today (October 8), during the sitting of the House of Representatives.
After taking the Oath of Allegiance, the MP was welcomed by Deputy Speaker, Heroy Clarke; House Leader and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, as well as other Members of Parliament on both sides of the House.
Minister Bartlett and Member of Parliament, East Kingston and Port Royal, Phillip Paulwell, wished Mr. Samuda all the best in his new role.
Mr. Samuda was successful in the by-election held on September 30.
This followed the resignation of the former MP, Marsha Smith, on September 3.
In his response, Mr. Samuda acknowledged and thanked his colleague MPs for their warm welcome. He also thanked his family, members of his constituency and former MPs Marsha Smith and the late Shahine Robinson.
“St. Ann North East has a rich legacy and expects a high level of service. This expectation was set by the late great Member of Parliament, Shahine Robinson, and in acknowledging her significant contribution, not just to the constituency but to the country, I commit to using every waking hour and every ounce of energy to ensure that St. Ann North East receives the level of service that it has come to expect, the level of service and investment that it deserves, and of course, the level of care that the people of St. Ann North East demand,” he said.
Prior to becoming MP, Mr. Samuda served eight years in the Senate.
He also served as Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security.