KINGSTON, Jamaica – Following Monday’s announcement that Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr Nigel Clarke, is set to be appointed deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), members of Clarke’s constituency are experiencing mixed emotions.

Andrew Harris, councillor for the Hughenden Division of the St Andrew North Western constituency, where Clarke has served as Member of Parliament (MP) since 2018, noted that people are both happy and sad about the MP’s appointment.

“I am elated but sad at the same time. I think it’s an opportunity that the country as a whole should endorse and be happy about because it’s the first time in our history that one of our own will hold such a senior position at the IMF,” Harris said, adding that the constituents are extremely grateful for Clarke’s service over the years. “I can safely say it’s a mixed bag of emotions. Most people are sad because they think he’s doing an excellent job as MP and would have liked him to stay, but others believe it’s a good move. We want to wish Nigel all the best and thank him for his service to Jamaica and, by extension, North West St Andrew.”

Clarke is set to assume his new role at the IMF on October 31, 2024.

READ: Nigel Clarke to be appointed IMF deputy managing director, ministerial successor to be identified

Three-term councillor for the Chancery Hall Division, Duane Smith, is set to succeed Clarke as the Jamaica Labour Party candidate for the constituency in the upcoming elections.

READ: Duane Smith to succeed Dr Nigel Clarke as JLP representative for St Andrew North Western

According to Harris, while some may have concerns about Smith’s political maturity, he believes the councillor is ready to step up to the plate.

Smith is the son of former MP Derrick Smith, who served eight terms in the post before Clarke took over.

“Personally, I am happy for Duane. I think he has waited his turn, he has followed the course, and I am certain he will make an excellent Member of Parliament because he has received the requisite training,” Harris said. “Some people might be a bit concerned about his maturity, but I’ve been telling them that he’s six years older now, so we can expect a higher level of maturity from him going forward. I think Duane will make an exceptional MP.”