ST THOMAS, Jamaica – People’s National Party (PNP) councillor aspirant in the Morant Bay Division, Rosemarie Shaw cites the need for a central sewage system and youth unemployment as two of her focus areas if she is successful in Friday’s by-election.

Shaw is challenging the Jamaica Labour Party’s Winston Downie for the seat.

Addressing the media moments after casting her vote at the Lyssons Primary School, Shaw said she was “pretty relaxed” and expressed confidence in emerging victorious in the election based on her track record as a former councilor and mayor of Morant Bay.

“I have spent 26 years, from 1981 to 2007, as a political representative in this division, and I think my work and my record of performance speaks for itself, and I think I will be rewarded by the people,” Shaw said.

Speaking about her plans, she added: “I have been advocating over the years for a central sewage system for Morant Bay, that is indeed very necessary, and when I look around and see the level of youth unemployment, there is a HEART centre in Lyssons and a lot of persons are not taking it up; and I think that I am the best person to provide that leadership … to talk to people and encourage them as to the benefits of the HEART programme.”

Shaw said she has no plans to return as mayor.