It’s party time for attorney-at-law and People’s National Party political aspirant Ashley Ann Foster, who is soaking up the sun and feel-good party atmosphere at Marbana on Easter Sunday. The Second City resident is accompanying her cousin, Hollywood actor Dulé Hill, to the Portland-venued beach party, and we bump into them both refreshing their cups by the Appleton Estate bar, and break the ice with V/X-aided convo. Sufficiently enamoured with the poised beauty, we agree to meet her again the following day at the Montego Bay Yacht Club to continue our discourse about political ambitions and gender balance in governance.

What’s your take on the Marbana party? Did it fulfil your expectations?

Marbana is a consistently good party. This was my second year. Good vibes with good friends.

You accompanied your cousin Dulé Hill? Are you two joined-at-the-hip close or merely whenever-I’m-in-town polite?

The connection is real. We touch base regularly and check in with each other in person internationally — London, New York, Jamaica… wherever. He is one of my biggest supporters, a great role model and gives amazing advice.

You’re a second-generation lawyer as your mother is practising in the profession. Why the interest to venture into representational politics?

My mother is not only an attorney but also a philanthropist. I was raised as a patriot with a duty to Jamaica and was always reminded that there is a higher purpose in life that stretches beyond oneself. By age 13 I believed, and continue to believe, that politics is the art of the possible. Jamaica has boundless potential and boundless possibilities. I would like to be a part of the development of this potential and the realisation of positive possibilities.

How do plan on securing the youth vote given the general apathy of that demographic towards politics?

At 26, I am a youth. We have the same dreams and aspirations. I intend to reach out, empower my peers and hopefully give them the courage to participate in democracy, which is more than casting a ballot but is participating in every aspect of community life. Young people today, though apathetic, have a genuine interest in democracy. Most of us are Facebook politicians. We have opinions. We know what we want. We need to believe that if we fight hard enough, with strong conviction, we can be the change that we so desperately want to see.

What are you sipping?

Amaretto Sour.

What perfume are you spraying?

Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel.

The five words that best sum up Ashley?

Forthright, conscientious, thoughtful, determined and reliable.

Who does your hair?

Norma or Nardia at Norma Webster Beauty Salon.

Who does your nails?

Toni at Norma Webster Beauty Salon.

What is your idea of the perfect date?

I am not the kind of girl who is fussy about the venue. The perfect date for me is about the conversation and the synergy.

What are the must-have essentials in your clutch or your handbag?

My iPhone, Maybelline lipgloss, Lancôme lipstick, Coco Mademoiselle perfume, car keys, and Scotia MasterCard.

What is your idea of the perfect man?

Firstly, he cannot have my heart unless he can captivate my mind. Intellect is important. My perfect man is the quintessential gentleman who values and respects me as a woman, makes me laugh, is passionate, has purpose, vision and understands that relationships are partnerships.

Do you believe that women make better leaders than men?

I believe in balance. I believe in women and men working together for a common purpose, especially as it pertains to governance, because each will bring different perspectives and strengths to the table which the other may likely not possess. This parity should enhance our economic efficiency, enable wholesome policy development and streamline our macro-micro developmental process.

Where is your go-to spot to luxuriate or unwind?

The spa. My favourite – Rock House, Negril.

If you were to have a power lunch tomorrow with anyone, who would be joining you at the table?

Hilary Clinton. She is an against-all-odds woman. Against all odds she may become the first female president of the USA. This is a feat in itself since the path to get to this position is usually arduous with many political pitfalls. Against all odds she has not only kept her family together but has also been true to herself having made difficult personal decisions notwithstanding public and perhaps even private pressure.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I see myself serving my country in any capacity in which it will have me. I also see myself as a wife and a mother. Family is the most important thing and one of the greatest contributions that one can make to a country is to instil positive morals and values in your children to ensure the sustainability and progression of the next generation.