OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Already impressed by the work Matthew Samuda has done in North East St Ann, some residents yesterday welcomed news that he will contest the seat for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in a September 30 by-election.

“For someone who has not [yet] been elected he’s doing great. He has being visiting our divisions and has covered a lot of broken things that the previous MP [Member of Parliament Marsha Smith] didn’t fix. I’m excited, because I think Samuda will do a great job,” Steer Town resident Tameika Curry told the Jamaica Observer.

“He is making a very good impact on both young and old,” she added.

Samuda stepped away from his post as minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation on Monday to fill the gap left by MP Smith’s September 3 resignation.

On Wednesday, Shandene Davis, another resident of North East St Ann, described Samuda as engaging. It is a quality she admires.

“Samuda is a people person so I know he will be fit for the road. I’ve seen him interacting a lot with our people and Marsha has resigned now so he can get a chance to do more,” she said.

“The previous MP wasn’t a good representative but because we love JLP we still voted. But now I can feel good to know that I will be voting for a good MP. So far we have gotten school vouchers and other stuff so he is doing what he can; and remember that he is not the MP yet and work is being done,” added Davis.

Councillor for the Lime Hall Division Genevor Gordon-Bailey said the constituency has been yearning for effective representation. Smith has had a torrid time in St Ann North East, replete with Labourites lambasting her performance and calling for her replacement.

“The resignation of Miss Smith is long overdue and the people in North East have been calling out for representation. We are used to good representation, an on-the-ground minister who knew what was happening in the constituency. We can’t afford to have an MP who is not doing the work,” Gordon-Bailey said.

Smith was being measured against the yardstick of late MP Shahine Robinson, who had a reputation of being very hands-on and accessible to her constituents.

Councillor Gordon-Bailey unreservedly welcomed Samuda to the constituency. She said she has seen his dedication since being given a chance to familiarise himself with the various divisions.

“For a year now Samuda has been on the ground doing some work. We are ready and we will take back North East, the whole action of a MP working, building with the people and representing,” she said.