Attorney-at-law and philanthropist Paula Kerr-Jarrett is not your typical Jamaican politico — first of all she’s white, über-glamorous, is from a wealthy family, and entertains in spectacular form. Is she having a mid-life crisis, as some think? Ennui, perhaps? Apparently not! So no need to clutch those pearls… SO catches up with Kerr-Jarrett on the hustings, in her Eastern Hanover constituency, where she plans to wrest the seat from veteran politician DK Duncan.

“I was privileged to be brought up by a family who were involved in community and nation building,” states Kerr Jarrett, in-between hugs, kisses and wide-mouthed stares, not to mention the ‘how could you?’ looks of consternation. “In many ways it was hereditary,” she explains. “There was always the awareness that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. I think this had a definite impact on my decision to enter representational politics. Perhaps this was even more solidified in the critical period of the ’70s when so many families fled the island for ‘safer’ shores. My family made a decision to stay and be part of the voice of protest and later be involved in the rebuilding process. My father never once complained or expressed impatience or regret, despite having no personal gain. It was always done with great tolerance, humility and energy. It was completely for Jamaica. I was further blessed and encouraged to marry into a family, the Kerr-Jarretts, who also shared our philosophy and commitment to the island as well as noblesse oblige. This has allowed me, with singleness of purpose, to forge ahead in my belief that we can make a difference and act on this belief by getting directly involved.

“I should also mention that my great-grandmother, Marion Louise Reece Bovell, was the first woman in Jamaica to run in 1944 as an independent candidate in the general elections. Seems there must be an independent spirit running in the family line.”

No idle boast! But Kerr-Jarrett’s decision came after much thought. “Firstly, it became more evident that there exists a misconceived belief that Jamaicans of a certain colour, creed or social background should not be encouraged or accepted in representational politics. This is offensive to me… I have spent a good part of my life defending, where necessary, and impacting, where possible, on the lives of so many Jamaicans from all walks of life. And in my experience, this narrow and partisan view did not reflect the majority opinion. I felt that this fallacy should be exposed for what it was: a misperception. “We are a nation that is ‘Out of Many, One People’. I choose to set out to prove that this still holds true. Secondly, I decided to walk through the constituency of Eastern Hanover one weekend before making my final decision. I was hooked! After meeting the people — young, old and middle-aged — and seeing the desire they had to help themselves, the need they had for a ‘voice’ to express their many concerns, but more importantly, their insightful advice and ideas, how could I not choose to stay and represent?

“Finally, I received my husband’s support. This was crucial as representational politics is not a role you take on single-handedly.”

Kerr-Jarrett sounds genuine enough but the question of beautiful, socially connected, married women not meddling in politics remains. It’s a pretty candid Kerr-Jarrett who emphatically states, “The Bible reminds us that beauty is fleeting and that gold is perishable… and people can sometimes prove fickle. If you rely on these assets alone, life may end up a grave disappointment. We all have something to offer and each part makes up a whole. Get involved in a way that is within your comfort zone and be part of something great! Impact a life and you impact at least one generation. Make your gifts and talents count.”

Support has come from mum and dad, too, who were initially against her taking on the role. “They are obviously protective, and my dad in particular has seen enough of ‘politics’ to realise that it’s rough and oftentimes unfair, very unforgiving and unappreciative.

“They realised that I was serious and believed in the fact that change was possible and that it began with each of us seeing ourselves as agents of change. I was doing what I felt was my part and adhering to the principles they instilled in me. They had to support me! They had no choice!”

Kerr-Jarrett’s two children have also thrown their support behind mum. “At first they were very concerned. They did not understand why we couldn’t just continue contributing financial support to areas of need. Why did we have to get involved? However, once I began sharing the potential we had to impact the lives of many others beyond financial handouts they were fully on board.”

Standing for something is another of Kerr-Jarrett’s credos, but we’ve watched many stand, then disappear as soon as the going gets tough. The political neophyte is, after all, challenging veteran politician and brilliant mobiliser Dr DK Duncan. So what if she loses?

Kerr-Jarrett’s response is swift and as forthright as ever. “This is something I had to take into account when I first considered this role. Nobody likes to lose. And, of course, one has a greater ability to improve one’s constituency when you are the elected representative in Parliament and receiving the funds to make the necessary changes. However, at the end of the day you have to ask yourself what your real motive is. Is it solely to win or is it an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of your fellowmen? Winning is relative and so is losing… whatever the outcome, I still believe that Jamaica is small enough to make a difference and big enough to see a change”.

It certainly is, but Kerr-Jarrett’s final words — “I don’t intend to lose” — speak volumes.