With talk of a general election in the air, The Jamaica Observer’s Western Bureau will help you get to know your candidates in this end of the island.

Check this column every Saturday for information about those who are seeking your vote. Who are the candidates and why should you vote for them?

This week, meet the National Democratic Movement’s candidate for North West St James, Apollone Reid.

Name: Apollone Reid

Date of Birth: August 10, 1953

Constituency: North West St James

Reid, a registered physiotherapist by profession, is the NDM’s spokesperson on health and environment. She is also one of the party’s vice presidents.

Born in Montego Bay, she is a past student of Westwood High School and holds a diploma in physiotherapy from the University School of Physical Therapy. She also received a BSc in psychology from Georgia State University as well as a Master of Public Health from the University of the West Indies in 1996.

She answers the question, “Why should I vote for you?”

“I think I am worthy of every vote in North West St James because I have the integrity and the political will to do what it takes to improve the socio-cultural and socioeconomic standing of all Jamaicans.”

Proud of her “reverential fear” of God and her reliance on Him, Reid said these qualities translate into the seriousness with which she approaches public responsibility. She also spoke of the basic tenants of the NDM, the need for change, and her ability to effect that change.

“I have the will to bring about the changes necessary to create opportunities for our society on a whole, even at the expense of displeasing the few privileged persons of influence. I am broadminded enough to realise that unless the masses in society have the opportunity to enjoy life, basic freedom and pursue happiness, then the privileged few will always be at risk of losing those ideals and privileges for themselves. Socioeconomic development must, therefore, be available and accessible to all, regardless of political affiliation and social standing,” she explained.

Reid also stressed the need for long-term sustainable development through the empowerment of the individual.

“I am committed to developing individuals to empower themselves and their communities and will not wait to be a part of government to implement such efforts. I have already galvanised a team of hard working volunteers, locally and internationally, and they are in the process of training others in skills that will make them independent business people, geared to production rather than importation,” she said.

“I know that we cannot continue to do things the old way and expect to get different results. We must, therefore, have fundamental constitutional reform, creating a system of checks and balances through the separation of the different arms of government. Unless this is established, we run the risk of our good intentions being derailed, and the benefits to the intended masses being hijacked again and again into the hands of the politically favoured few. The history of our politics in Jamaica shows us that we cannot depend on the reasonableness of unreasonable men to ensure opportunities for all to pursue their happiness.

“With this commitment and this understanding of what has put us in this present predicament, and the willingness to change this systemic problem, how can one not want to vote for me?”