Youngest Clarendon councillor promises ‘A Betta Way Wid KJ’
TWENTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD KIJANA Johnson, the youngest councillor in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, has cited his win as a significant shift in the political landscape of the Race Course division, signalling the end of the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) 17-year reign in the Clarendon South Western division.
Johnson and 21 others were sworn in last Thursday.
Johnson garnered 1,353 votes, surpassing veteran councillor Pauline Reynolds by 111 votes. Reynolds secured 1,242 votes.
Reynolds, the outgoing JLP councillor, first won the division in the December 2007 local government elections. In that contest, Reynolds outperformed the PNP’s Randall Charoo by 77 votes, polling 1,178 to Charoo’s 1,101, ultimately seizing the divisional seat from him.
“The division has always been a PNP stronghold, however, the former councillor (Reynolds) has managed to win it in the local government elections, and has since [held it] for 17 years. I knew I wasn’t going up against an easy opponent, but I sat with my team, plotted our pathway to victory and the strategies to be used to ensure victory,” Johnson told The Gleaner.
The newly minted councillor also lauded a team of what he described as committed workers and supporters.
“During the campaign, I was also completing my masters degree at UWI. I can say, unequivocally, that without the support of my family, mentors and friends, the backing of the member parliament, Lothan Cousins, and the dedication of the party’s dedicated workers, success would not be possible. They helped me to carry the load, and to remain focused and responsive on the campaign trail. I’m overjoyed and grateful for the support I received,” said Johnson.
As a former schoolboy cricketer and head boy of Garvey Maceo High, which is located in the constituency, Johnson said he not only embodies a deep connection to the local community, but also carries a resonance with the youths. Johnson attributes part of his success to that connection, presenting himself as an ideal candidate who understands and represents the aspirations of the younger generation in the area.
“I knew that I would connect well with the young people and sell a vision all residents of the division can believe in. I am a son of the soil who has contributed to the community through sports. I believe that our message, ‘A Betta Way Wid KJ’, was able to connect with the people in such a way that made them believe in making a change,’’ posited Johnson, who is also a native from the division.
Having served the UWI Guild in various capacities, Johnson said he has a passion for service.
He said he is committed to serving diligently as a political representative, adding, “The work starts now, and I have to focus solely on doing well as a councillor. The people can expect hard work, dedication, a listening ear and proactive leadership. It is also important to demonstrate solid leadership in a way that will grow and develop our division.”
Asserting his dedication to the role of councillor, Johnson stated, “The people can expect hard work, dedication, a listening ear, and proactive leadership from me.”
SOLID LEADERSHIP
Johnson citing the importance of demonstrating solid leadership to foster the growth and development of the division he will represent.
Johnson told The Gleaner that atop his priority list are infrastructural development, and implementing entrepreneurial initiatives as a means to boost the local economy.
“We are having issues with poor infrastructure, water, streetlights, et cetera. I will work hard to ensure I make an impact as it pertains to resolving those issues. I believe there are changes that should be made to local government through the economic empowerment of people. The local government budget should be designed in a way that will allow us to provide the necessary support for residents to start businesses that would put them on the platform to becoming entrepreneurs,’’ he said.
Johnson emphasised the significance of his win as a message to the youths, conveying that they have the potential to dream big and achieve their aspirations. He further encouraged young individuals to actively participate in politics, asserting that it serves as a meaningful avenue for contributing to the progress of the beloved country.
“I am happy that, after 17 years, the residents chose change,” said Johnson.