THOSE among the small number of voters who turned out at the numerous polling stations in Friday’s by-election in St Andrew North Western shared mixed reactions when quizzed on the motivating factor that pulled them out to cast their ballots.

Only more than six per cent of eligible voters turned out to vote on Friday in the constituency where the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) candidate Duane Smith polled 1,863 votes, while 111 voted for independent candidate Carl Marshall, a former People’s National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament. A second independent candidate, Rohan Banks, withdrew from the race. The Opposition PNP did not contest the by-election.

Up to the last minute before the polls closed on Friday, people in Sherlock Crescent, Duhaney Park were seen hurrying to put their shirts on to get into the polling station there to cast their vote. They were being egged on by officials of the JLP.

A woman who came out to vote at the polling station in Sherlock Crescent told the Jamaica Observer that despite other people not coming out in large numbers, she wanted to ensure she had her say in the smooth continuation of good management and development of the constituency, and the country at large. She made it clear that she voted for Smith as she trusts the governing Jamaica Labour Party and is confident that the quality of work being done will grow from strength to strength.

Smith replaced Jamaica’s former Finance Minister Nigel Clarke, who resigned recently to take up a job as deputy managing director of International Monetary Fund.

“We don’t want a break in the management of the constituency. Under the present Government we have a community centre, a mini-stadium, and a play area for the children — and we want that and more to continue,” said the woman.

Another constituent, Melford Reid, described the voting process as smooth, very easy, and professional. He said the reason for placing himself amongst the small number of voters was that he believes the country is going in the right direction and also wishes for that to continue.

“There were no hiccups. From you had your ID, you were good to go. The reason I voted is because I see what the prime minister is doing, moving the country in the right direction. A lot of uneducated voters exist but I vote on issues. When I travel around the island, I see development. I don’t have to go to foreign to drive on highway. That is good.

“I spoke to a lady in Westmoreland who never had water for 50 years, and it was since Andrew Holness came in she have water a run right through. That’s why they voted for a Labourite MP. You have to make a difference in people’s lives, show up when it is important, and try to tell the people the truth. Don’t promise what you can’t fulfil. Go the extra mile. Look out for the young people and get them skilled,” Reid said.

For other voters, their desire for better roads throughout the constituency was the motivating factor that brought them out.

One elderly woman at Pembroke Hall Community Centre told the Observer that, “the worst issue I have is road to fix on Annandale Avenue. It’s terrible. Otherwise, I don’t really have any other issues. Whoever comes in, I want them to attack that. They need to walk the whole place and see what needs to be done.”

Beverly Stone, who described herself as a born Labourite, said that a Jamaica Labour Party Government serves her interests and therefore she wants to see Andrew Holness continue leading the country, which was her reason for voting for Smith.

“The PM is not Jesus so he can’t do everything one time, but he gives road and water. Even if him nuh give me, him give other people. He is working. I have a grandchild who was sick and a him help me,” said Stone.

Smith, the JLP candidate, said he was extremely prepared for the by-election despite a short campaign period leading up to Friday. He said he was very, very happy to have had his mother and father come out to support and vote for him.

“The voter turnout was consistent with the usual trend of by-elections, slow but steady. I was extremely prepared. Only two weeks ago was nomination day and there was a lot of ground to cover. I represent one section of the constituency, the Chancery Hall Division, but I spend a lot of time in the other two divisions, the Hughenden Division and the Havendale Division. I covered a lot of ground and I did the work so I am confident that it will pay off today. Both my parents are here today and I am very, very happy about that. Both are electors in the constituency and they are here to cast their vote so I am confident of at least two votes,” he said.

“The priority for North West St Andrew has to be road infrastructure; we have some very bad roads across the constituency. I am going to be aggressive with representation on fixing those roads. Luckily and fortunately for us, we have the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) programme — that’s the $45-billion road programme which I think will go a far way in fixing some of the roads in St Andrew North West. Only a programme of that magnitude can fix the problem we have in North West,” Smith said.

Smith’s father, Derrick, a former MP for the constituency, said the by-election was an emotional moment for him and his wife.

“Duane was born 1981 and that was the year I entered politics as a senator in the Jamaica Labour Party, so he grew up seeing me as a professional politician for this noble party, the Jamaica Labour Party. This morning Duane is being elected to represent a constituency that I served for over three decades. It is sort of a legacy, although originally I had hoped he would come [soon] after, but that didn’t happen.

“My advice to Duane is service and representation. Never, ever lose focus of why people voted for you — whether it is 10 per cent or 90 per cent. The fact is that you will be elected to represent St Andrew North West, and you’re expected to do that to the best of your ability — not just for people in green shirt, but for the entire constituency. Other than that, you are honoured to be representing a great party, the Jamaica Labour Party, that is 81 years this year, coinciding with my birthday. I will be 81 next week so I am expecting the victory this evening, so there will be a wonderful birthday party.”

Duane’s mother, Karleen Smith simply said she wished her last of three sons all the best.

Independent candidate Carl Marshall told journalists that his focus would be on education, suggesting that he intends to continue working in the constituency.

Lance, 61, stops to talk with the Jamaica Observer while being assisted to the polling station at Maverley Primary and Infant School to cast his vote, Friday.

Jamaica Labour Party workers celebrate Duane Smith’s win in the St Andrew North Western by-election on Friday.