RIVERSIDE, Hanover — Incumbent candidate for the Riverside Division, Daren Barnes (People’s National Party) is banking on achievements such as the development of Chambers Pen into a model community to convince electors to give him a second chance to represent them.

The community of Chambers Pen is the pilot for the Rural Development Programme (RDP), which is spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development in five parishes. The second project is currently being carried out in Cheswick, St Thomas.

The RDP was introduced in 2021 and the Chambers Pen leg of the programme was officially launched in June 2022.

“There are a lot of things we have done through the [municipal] corporation itself where we have collaborated with the local [government] ministry with the Chambers Pen project and we have done several houses around there,” Barnes said during an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

“We have also done some road repairs in the Chambers Pen area. In the other areas, we are putting in some estimates to get things done,” added the first-term councillor.

“During the period, we have done some work in Williamsfield — the rehabilitation of Williamsfield Road, Ginger Hill, Riverside. We are doing some pipelines now in Mount Peace up in [the] Mount Pleasant area,” added Barnes.

“We have a project up in Middlesex where there is a land slippage for about two years. I have lobbied a lot and now we have got the funding to do the wall in the Middlesex area,” he continued.

Barnes noted that while he has accomplished much, he has plans to do much more if given a chance to complete what he sees as unfinished business.

“I have started a lot and I am asking the citizens within the Riverside region to give me a second chance so I can complete the project I have on stream coming. I know I will serve you well and as such, I have done my work throughout the last seven years. I am just asking for your support to give me power for the local ones,” he appealed.

He listed some of the projects he wants the public to give him a chance to tackle.

“Up in Mount Peace, we have the basic school that is deteriorating. We want to get it up and running so we can have a training centre. At present, we have a training session going up in Clifton with the HEART Trust where we are doing some training for young people. I plan to do one in Kingsvale as well. I have the road in Rugland to deal with. We have some houses that are yet to be completed in the Askenish area as well,” he pointed out.

According to him, there are several upcoming projects for which he had been able to secure funding, “but this time around we will get all these projects.

“My priority project is the Mount Peace road. That is my priority right now. It is really in a terrible condition. And also, the water system in the Rajput area. The line has been run through that area but the residents are not getting the water they want. So, I am trying my best now to put some pipelines up in that area so we can get it to work,” he said.

In 2016, Barnes came out victorious against Donald Campbell from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) by 122 votes. Also in the race then were four independent candidates, including Donna Malahoo-Bowen, who is the sister of the current Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte.

On Monday, Barnes will be going up against a newcomer to politics, the JLP’s Colville Allen. However, Allen has political lineage, being the son of former councillor for the Cauldwell Division Calvin Junior Allen (PNP) who served between 2012 and 2016.

“I have done my best throughout the last seven years. So, I expect that the people will come out and support me,” said Barnes. “I am here to speak of myself, to do my best, go out there, campaign, meet with the people and all that.”

He had a message for the voters who will decide his fate, specifically the ones who support the PNP.

“I just want a clean campaign and I want to go out there and do the work, meet with the people out there, and get things done so that, come February 26th, we will become victorious again for the People’s National Party. Time come, time come,” he urged.