St. Elizabeth PC lauds new MP

Member of Parliament-elect for South East St. Elizabeth, Richard Parchment was lauded for his four-year stint in the St. Elizabeth Parish Council by his former colleagues, at Thursday's (January 12) monthly Council meeting.

The meeting saw an equal number of majority Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and minority People’s National Party (PNP) Councillors expressing appreciation for Mr. Parchment's work as a Councillor, as he prepares for Parliament, after successfully contesting the December 29 General Election for the PNP.

"We wish him the best in his term of office and, as he goes to those higher courts, that he will always remember that his career began as a Councillor, and that he will seek to advance the welfare of the Local Government system in those councils where he will sit," said Mayor of Black River, Councillor Jeremy Palmer.

Minority Leader, Councillor Donovan Pagon, noted that "from day one, your intention was clear, you wanted to become Member of Parliament of South East St. Elizabeth, and you have achieved it…it was done through hard work. I am confident that you will represent your people well".

"I have no doubt that he will do a good job as Member of Parliament. As a Councillor in the same constituency, I am committing myself to working closely with the new Member of Parliament," remarked Councillor for the Junction Division, Cetany Holness.

Another Councillor from South East St. Elizabeth, Donald Simpson, said he sincerely hoped that the new MP will lift his constituency, "so that the citizens will be better off".

Responding, Mr. Parchment said the Council provided him with the necessary training in representing people, and the Myersville Division benefited from his time at the Council. He thanked the staff and fellow Councillors and pledged to work with the Councillors in his constituency.

"Be it JLP or PNP Councillors who will be part of South East St. Elizabeth, you have no need to worry…I am also asking my Councillors to present their development plans for their divisions, because I want to incorporate it as part of the entire development plan for the constituency," he told the Council meeting.