WAKEFIELD, Trelawny — Plans are far advanced for the reopening of the Wakefield Post Office, which has been shuttered for the last three years because of the shabby condition of the building.

That was one of the goodies dangled by Trelawny Northern Member of Parliament (MP) Tova Hamilton during the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Wakefield Divisional Conference on Sunday.

After the post office was closed in early 2021, the services it once provided were made available in Bounty Hall, more than five miles away. Wakefield is just one of a number of communities that have had their post offices closed over time, forcing them to access service in Bounty Hall.

According to Hamilton, the renovated Wakefield facility will be nothing like the old one.

“This will be no ordinary post office. We are bringing back the post office with technology at its heart. Modern, efficient and ready to serve you in the digital age; a hub that will connect you to the world,” she promised.

“We got approval from the municipal corporation two weeks ago. The Postal Corporation will now start construction. You will have your post office very soon,” Hamilton added.

She said there are big things ahead for the constituency which is on the verge of “a multi-layered ecosystem of development”.

“The entire constituency is on the cusp of a transformation like never before. We are building the new town centre of Falmouth, a modern, thriving centre that will be the envy of the Caribbean. We are already in discussions for new hotels to be built right here in Trelawny, including the largest integrated resort in the region, Harmony Cove. And that is a US$1-billion investment,” the first term MP said.

“Residents of Wakefield, I want you to brace yourself for the multimillion dollar in renewables that will fuel economic opportunities and create jobs for you and your children. We have a lot more coming,” added Hamilton.

She urged constituents to prepare themselves for the opportunities expected to stem from planned developments.

“Let me make one thing very clear, this development is for you; it’s for your families, it’s for your children’s future. I don’t want you to sit back and let outsiders reap the benefit of what is rightfully yours. This is your land, your home and your opportunity. Prepare yourselves! Prepare yourselves! Get the skills, get the knowledge and be ready to benefit from the transformation,” the MP appealed.

Hamilton defeated the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Victor Wright in the 2020 General Election to end the PNP’s 31-year-long unbroken reign in Trelawny Northern. She wooed residents to vote for her with a promise to perpetuate transformational projects within the constituency.

“The PNP got their chance and what did they leave us? They left us neglect, despair, broken promises. But under my leadership and with your support, we are creating a future where everyone benefits. The best days of Wakefield and Trelawny Northern are ahead of us, but only if we continue on this path of prosperity,” she said.

“And so I charge you, on election day get every single vote out. Don’t just talk about it, be about it. knock on doors, make those calls, talk to your neighbours and let them know what’s at stake. We cannot afford to go back to the days of darkness. This election isn’t just another vote — it’s about securing the future of Wakefield, and the future of Trelawny Northern, and the future of Jamaica. Your dreams of prosperity and peacefulness are my dreams, and together we will make them a reality. We will build this community into something we can all be proud of but only Tova can lead the way; only Tova can save you from the destruction of the PNP. Only Tova can, so stand with me,” she added.