A significant number of projects were implemented during the last 24 months in South Manchester.

The following have impacted the constituency in a positive way:

Rehabilitation of the Grove Town Basic School

This school, which had a population of approximately 60 students, was on the verge of closure after the building in which the school was housed was needed by the church. The principal, Ms Reid, approached me as the newly elected MP and outlined the desperate situation. Of course, I had no choice, as an educator myself, but to commit approximately $300,000 from my Constituency Development Fund to work on the dilapidated Grove Town Teachers’ Cottage, after consultation with the principal and the Ministry of Education and parents. Contact was also made with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund for their assistance. They responded positively and fenced the school and also wired it for electricity supply.

Today, the students and teachers are comfortable in their newly refurbished facility, and the education of the students is going well. The parents and the entire school community are happy to see this transformational change.

Nutritional support for a breakfast programme ($1 million)

Last year June, at my annual Principal ’s Luncheon, a breakfast programme was launched, after my research showed that a high percentage of the students in the constituency were attending school without breakfast. At the launch, the head of the University of Technology Nursing Programme, Dr Adella Campbell, spoke about why the nutritional needs of children must be taken seriously.

Since the breakfast programme was instituted, there has been a significant increase in the attendance and punctuality rate of the students. The attention span of the students has also seen a tremendous increase, resulting in enhanced outcomes in the teaching-learning process. Three high, 18 primary and 14 early-childhood institutions are benefiting from the programme.

South Manchester football, cricket and netball competitions

The sporting competitions launched in the constituency have brought a deep sense of togetherness, comradeship and care for each other. Cricket, football and netball have brought several of the communities together, supporting their teams and enjoying the friendly rivalry. More than $850,000 has been spent to facilitate the different competitions and to secure gear for the players.

Education assistance ($3.5 million)

More than 1,000 students at the GSAT, high school and tertiary levels benefited from my back-to-school education assistance programme.

Farming assistance ($2 million)

Provided assistance for more than 600 farmers with chicken, feeds, seeds and fertilisers.

Housing assistance ($1.4 million)

One hundred and fifty persons have benefited from my housing programme.

■ The requests for medical, funeral and social needs have been overwhelming. I have assisted over 200 persons.

■ The 30,000 residents are all excited about the development taking place in the constituenc y, and have all pledged their continued support. As MP, I am excited about the level of support from all stakeholders in the constituency and will continue to advance the holistic development of South Manchester.