Ras Astor Black not contesting upcoming elections
Perennial contender derailed by his loyalty to a friend
WHEN ELECTORS go to the polls on February 26 to cast their votes in t he local government elections, one familiar face that will be missing from the list of 499 candidates i s perennial independent candidate Ras Astor Black, the colourful founder/ president of the Jamaica Alliance Movement (JAM).
“I was gearing up to contest the Welcome Hall division (St James), but one of my brethren was expressing an interest in the seat so I decided that rather than going up against him, I would step back and support him,” said Black, who has routinely contested local government, general and bye elections since popping up on the political radar in 2011.
“To my disappointment, he belatedly decided not to run,” Ras Astor said, however.
But Black, who is also the founder/chairman of the Trelawny-based Reggae Walk of Fame and an independent record producer, says he will be back, and is expected to feature in the next general election.
“I strongly believe I can make a positive contribution to Jamaica through politics,” said the Cornwall College past student. “I have a vision for Jamaica, which I am sure will improve the quality of life of every Jamaican.”
In his maiden foray into politics in 2011, Black, once a top-flight radio deejay in the United States, contested the Trelawny North seat, going up against the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Patrick Atkinson, who won the seat; and the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Dennis Meadows, who has since switched parties, and is slated to appear on the PNP’s ticket in the next general election.
FRIENDLY DEMEANOUR
After his less than impressive showing in that 2011 general election, Black resurfaced for the 2012 local government election, contesting the Martha Brae division in the Trelawny Municipal Corporation. He was roundly ignored by the electors as the PNP’s Phillip Service won easily.
Not finding success in Trelawny, Black switched to St James for the 2016 general election, contesting the St James South seat in a somewhat bizarre way. While maintaining his allegiance to JAM, he contested the seat on the National Democratic Movement’s ticket, going up against former PNP vice-president, Derrick Kellier; and the JLP’s Homer Davis. He barely shifted the needle as Kellier emerged victorious.
Quizzed as to why he keeps contesting elections he realistically cannot win, Black provided an interesting insight into the benefits he could derive.
“Even if I lose my J$3,000 nomination deposit, the exposure I get is invaluable. I couldn’t pay for it if I was buying advertising space in the newspaper,” said Black, who sees himself as an astute businessman. “Besides, if I am not in it, I cannot win it.”
Black’s politicking has not been limited to western Jamaica, as in 2011 he contested the by-election in St Catherine South, which was called following the resignation of the JLP’s Everald Warmington, who had been caught up in a situation regarding his dual citizenship. As was expected, Black never came close to winning.
Black is known to regularly show up at political meetings of both the JLP and PNP, even ending up on stage on a few occasions. Because of his friendly demeanour and non-confrontational approach to politicking, he is seen as everybody’s friend, albeit that support isn’t reflected in ballot boxes.