Newport candidate vows change through dialogue, community engagement
IN HIS bid to transform the Newport division, Martin Vivian Tomlinson, a councillor-candidate for the Jamaica Labour Party, is expressing confidence in his ability to bring positive change.
Tomlinson last week criticised incumbent Anthony Bryce for a lack of development in the Newport division, citing deteriorating infrastructure, overgrown bushes, and poorly maintained roads as key issues.
“The people of Newport division, now they are saying ‘Mr Martin Vivian Tomlinson, you are the best choice, because you have the better plan, because over the years, people’s tax money has been going to waste as there is no form of development in the Newport division, the road, the bushes start to turn arch, the bad road it becomes a tank’.”
Tomlinson in outlining his vision for the Newport division, emphasised the need for community organisation.
‘BETTER CHOICE’
He plans to establish the “Citizens Association and Community Sport Club”, aiming to foster better communication and efficiency in addressing the concerns of the people. According to him, bringing the community together will provide a platform for sharing views and identifying priority issues for immediate attention.
Reflecting on the upcoming elections, Tomlinson said he sees it as a clear message to the People’s National Party (PNP).
Looking even further ahead to the next general election, he believes South Manchester will remain in the JLP column, asserting that Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Chin and his divisional candidates offer a better choice. Tomlinson predicts a rejection of the PNP in South Manchester, stating that ”the people are going to pack him [prospective challenger Peter Bunting] and send him back home”.
Addressing concerns about the mining operations in Mount Oliphant and the water supply from St Jago, Tomlinson acknowledged the historical neglect by previous representatives. He criticised past MPs for their selfishness and lack of concern for Mount Oliphant. Under the Jamaica Labour Party, he claims to have representatives who genuinely care for the people.
Tomlinson pledged to prioritise dialogue if elected in the Newport division. He said he believes open communication is essential for making informed decisions and addressing the needs of the community.
He added that his commitment to engaging with the residents of Newport, through dialogue, reflects his belief in the power of communication to bring about positive change.
As the February 26 election date approaches, Tomlinson said he remained steadfast in his determination to connect with the people, and promised a new era of responsiveness and accountability in the division.
The Newport division, with 9,468 electors, is the largest division in Manchester Southern and, in the 2016 local government election, saw Bryce winning with 1,631 votes to JLP candidate Mark Wilson’s 943 votes. With 8,528 electors at the time, the 2016 poll saw a 30.53 per cent turnout for Newport.