MANCHESTER, Jamaica— Educator Hidran McKulsky says he is not deterred from pushing forward his interest to become the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) choice in Manchester North Eastern heading into the next parliamentary election despite outgoing veteran politician Audley Shaw not endorsing him.

McKulsky, who is also the principal for Holmwood Technical High School, told Observer Online that he is awaiting a decision by the JLP’s secretariat on whether he or Craighead Councillor Omar Miller will replace Shaw as the party’s aspirant in the constituency.

“We both met with the party secretariat. Our applications were accepted and we were advised to be on the ground and in touch with the workers of the party,” he said on Monday.

A day earlier Shaw endorsed Miller as his successor in the seat which he has held for the past 31 years.

READ: WATCH: Shaw endorses Craighead councillor as his replacement

“When it comes to my replacement I have thought about it long and hard and I recognise that Omar took over from his daddy, who was councillor for 21 years, and now Omar is almost 14 years,” Shaw told JLP supporters at the party’s Manchester North Eastern constituency conference.

File photo: Member of Parliament for Manchester North Eastern Audley Shaw (right) poses with a certificate of appreciation in November 2023 at his constituency conference. To his left are current aspirants for the constituency Craighead Councillor Omar Miller and educator Hidran McKulsky.

“He and his father have served in the parish council for the Craighead division for a total of 35 years and I ask you now why couldn’t I support Omar to take over from me? I hope that what I have said is well received by you. God is good. He has made me serve the people of north east Manchester for over 31 years. Time come now for me to move it on to somebody and I am moving it on to Omar Miller,” he said before hugging Miller.

However, McKulsky said he decided not to attend the conference, because he wasn’t formally invited.

“… Because the five who planned that conference are persons on Omar’s team, as you can understand he is a sitting councillor. They didn’t see it fit to invite me neither to the planning session or to the conference. I decided that I will stand down and continue to be in touch with the people,” he said, while adding that he is not bothered by Shaw’s endorsement.

“The party’s constitution is very clear. An MP or anybody endorsing an individual does not automatically make that person the candidate or the standard bearer, so Mr Shaw endorsing Omar, it really doesn’t deter me. I will continue to work for the people and do what it is that I have to do to be seen as the most suitable candidate. Omar got a boost last night from the endorsement, but it won’t live for long. The people have made it clear as to who they want and who it is they believe can deliver what they want,” said McKulsky.

The educator is 2016 was unsuccessful in contesting the February 2016 parliamentary election in Manchester Southern on a JLP ticket as he lost by 1,176 votes to another educator, Michael Stewart of the People’s National Party.

“In the very near future at the appropriate time I will host my rally where the people and Jamaica will get a chance to hear what I am about. That is all I can at this time,” McKulsky said.

He said he has been in Manchester North East for nine years leading the “largest formal institution in the constituency”.

“I have reached into the different households… I am in a comfortable position as it relates to my favourability, rating and popularity,” he said, adding that he has been involved in community outreach.

“Spearheading a number of initiatives rebuilding homes, hosting sports and entertainment events including the Christiana Independence Gala. I also run a scholarship programme for students who are transitioning to high school. I genuinely started out just to help people,” he added.

Miller, who is also minority leader in the People’s National Party (PNP) controlled Manchester Municipal Corporation, is the only member of the JLP who won his division in the constituency in the February 2024 Local Government Election. The Walderston and Christiana divisions were won by the PNP in Manchester Northern.

“When I assess the whole thing, if I were to sit by and just allow the persons who are in the space to just continue then the people are doomed. Let the people decide,” said McKulsky.

“If it is that they decide to accept me then I will work to the best of my ability, if it is that they decide that they want Omar then I will respect their decision and remain quiet in my principal’s post,” added the educator.

Miller pitched his interest to JLP supporters while addressing the conference at Christiana High on Sunday.

Jamaica Labour Party supporters use vuvuzelas to cheer during Sunday’s Manchester North Eastern constituency conference at Christiana High School. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

“I am counting on the leader and Prime Minister and the hierarchy of the party to fix and make a decision in short order, so that the work can start right now to restore the Jamaica Labour Party in north east Manchester,” he said.

“I want to thank the people from the Christiana and Walderston divisions who have seen the works that I have done in Craighead, if unuh think Mr Miller start work yet wait until I sit beside the leader and Prime Minister of this country,” he added.

He urged supporters to unite towards the next parliamentary election.

“Join me on the road to build and restore what we have lost and if you see some on the highway and the byway that are not with us don’t rush them. Talk to them. Tell them to light a candle, sing a sankey and find their way back home, because this election that is coming is a serious election,” he said.

Manchester North East is again eyed by the PNP with its representative Valenton Wint returning.

Wint has thrice contested parliamentary elections on behalf of the PNP. He lost each time. He was defeated by Shaw in Manchester North Eastern in 2011 and 2016 and by Zavia Mayne (JLP) in St Ann South Western in 2020.

Miller is confident that the JLP can regain ground in the Christiana and Walderston divisions.

“So all a who a look say them ago have money to buy out labourite nothing no name so. We nah dweet. All a who believe say labourite ago sit down a dem yard and make them win tell them we nah dweet,” he said,

“I tell the two councillors that are there now, you will be there for a very short time, because anytime the parish council call again. We have two persons who are going to fix uno business, because we are going to ensure that this constituency stays under the Jamaica Labour Party for the next 32 years,” he said.

While not naming anyone, Miller suggested McKulsky joins his campaign.

“We want to tell some persons who are going around in the constituency seeking endorsement that after tonight (Sunday) they must light a candle, sing a sankey and join the winning team,” said Miller.