Tussle to replace Chen as JLP caretaker
A keen tussle is on in the Jamaica Labour Party camp in South Trelawny, as at least three persons are now lining up to replace Alfred Chen, who died in a helicopter crash on October 11.
Among the persons being touted to replace Chen is his brother Tony Chen and businessman and vice chairman of the constituency, Hugh Grant.
It is also understood that councillor for the Lorimors Division, Steve Warren has also expressed an interest in becoming the next caretaker.
Warren, who is also a vice-chairman of the constituency, has confirmed that he would like to take over, as the party’s top man in South Trelawny.
He told the Observer that he has already made an application to the JLP executive for him to be considered for the job.
But mindful of a number of internal squabbles that have left the party unattractive to the electorate, Warren said he would abide by whatever decision the party made.
“My main objective is to serve the people and not to work as MP,” he said.
Meanwhile, Grant said persons in the constituency had approached him to run on the party’s ticket, but that he had turned down their requests.
The businessman said he does not have any interest in representational politics at this time. “I don’t have time for it right now,” he said.
But sources told the Observer that the JLP hierarchy would like Tony Chen to replace his brother in the constituency.
Alfred Chen spent most of the last four years re-building the party’s constituency machinery, following the departure of Brascoe Lee, who broke ranks with the JLP and helped to form the National Democratic Movement.
Deputy Leader in charge of region four, Ed Bartlett, said while the party is seeking to find a candidate for the constituency, there is a process that has to be followed.
Bartlett is now responsible for the constituency, but he said the JLP was moving with some degree of haste to fill the vacancy, as a matter of priority.
The matter is expected to be dealt with at the party’s annual conference, which will be held at the National Arena in Kingston.
