KINGSTON, Jamaica – Former Olympian Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn made her maiden speech in Parliament last Wednesday, when she spoke in the new State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives.

Cuthbert, a five-time Olympian and 100 and 200 metres silver medallist who is now a health and fitness expert operating her own gym, has been representing West Rural St Andrew in the House for the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

“I stand here with pride and gratitude as I did on the podium in Barcelona some 20 years ago. I am once again representing my people, my country,” Cuthbert told the House.

She told House Speaker Pearnel Charles that, as her former MP on Eastern St Thomas, she was honoured to be in his presence.

“You were my member of Parliament when I was 16 years old, and today I sit in the same House, on the same side with you, to serve our country. My great grandmother, Mama Coolie, would be so proud,” she told him.

She also paid tribute to her former coach Howard Jackson, who helped develop her talent in track and field.

“I thank him today, because he made me realise that the speed in my legs could take me far and open doors I never knew existed,” she added.

However, she cautioned the House that, as a little girl growing up in Port Morant, St Thomas, “I was never a follower but a leader”.

“Just as I was blessed with a mentor to guide me, I am aiming to be that person to open doors for the people of West Rural St Andrew. Many do not have the know-how, the capital or the education to progress to prosperity.

“I want to provide that assistance and help the residents make that transition to a better life full of opportunities. That is why the focus for my constituency is on education, social welfare, economic enablement, and sports,” she stated.

“I will allocate portions of my CDF annually to make sure a first-class infrastructure is in place for various sporting disciplines with health and wellness being a critical component,” she informed the House.

But, she noted that the primary problems continue to be good roads and more water.

“Everyone wants their road to be fixed and while I understand the financial constraints, this must be achieved, especially on major thoroughfares,” she insisted.

She announced plans for a West Rural Renewal Water Project (WRRWP) aimed at solving the perennial water problems in rural St Andrew which, she said, is aimed at substantially increasing the volume of potable water to the communities and reduce non-revenue water to an acceptable level.

Balford Henry