Duncan-Price declares Central Kingston ambition

Former senator puts herself forward as potential Thwaites successor

IMANI DUNCAN-PRICE has put herself forward as a possible candidate to take up the mantle when People’s National Party (PNP) standard-bearer in Central Kingston, Ronald Thwaites, exits even as political foes lurk on the fringes with their eyes also set on the prized constituency.

Duncan-Price – in a letter to Thwaites and the wider PNP membership, a copy of which The

Gleaner has obtained – said she will be offering herself to run on the party’s ticket to become member of parliament.

“Following my discussions with MP Comrade Ronnie Thwaites, I would now like to share with you that if and when a vacancy exists for the position of PNP candidate for Central Kingston, I intend to offer myself,” Duncan-Price said in her letter.

She said her political and business credentials will enable her to offer leadership in the constituency.

“My experience at all levels of party work, together with my service in the Senate, along with my training in finance, business development, advocacy for change as well as community development, will enable me to offer the kind of leadership that will take Central Kingston further along the path of progress and development,” she stated.

Duncan-Price currently serves as chief of staff to Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips.

Gleaner sources have indicated that the seat could be up for grabs next time Jamaicans are called to the polls as Thwaites, who has held the seat for the past 23 years, will not be seeking re-election. The next general election is due no later than 2021.

But Duncan-Price is likely to face a challenge from Raymond Pryce, who has been in the hunt for a seat since fleeing North East St Elizabeth after facing strong political resistance.

He had previously sought to settle in North West St Catherine and was even introduced as the caretaker for the PNP in West Central St James by Phillips, the PNP president.

Gleaner sources also said his presence in Central Kingston has sharply increased over the past few weeks.

Still Duncan-Price seems to have one foot in as, according to her, Thwaites has accepted her offer to work with the constituency organisation to re-energise the PNP base in the constituency.