GOVERNMENT senator and former mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams has confirmed that he has applied to be the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) standard-bearer in Clarendon Central.

Confirmation came from Williams during an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Saturday, in which he professed his love for the parish and committed to continuing to build on what he described as “a legacy of quality representation which Clarendon Central is accustomed to”.

“Yes, definitely so, I have expressed an interest in the Clarendon Central constituency by way of a formal letter to the party secretariat. I am no stranger to the parish. My family and I have strong ties, deep roots in Clarendon. My mother, grandmother, great-grandparents were all born in the parish. My ties to Clarendon go back centuries. Clarendon is a parish that has always been near and dear to my heart, and I am passionate about contributing to its development,” said Williams, who is currently the deputy mayor of Kingston

Williams is the long-serving councillor for the Seivwright Gardens Division in Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ St Andrew West Central constituency and one of the deputy general secretaries in the JLP.

He told the Observer that he is deeply respectful of the quality of service given to the constituency of Clarendon Central by Mike Henry, who is not expected to seek re-election whenever the general election is called by Holness.

“Central Clarendon is a constituency that is significant to the Jamaica Labour Party. We have a rich tradition of support and strong representation in the parish of Clarendon, including central Clarendon, and it is my intention to continue that tradition by, if given the opportunity to do so, maintaining and, where possible, building on the tremendous service provided to the constituency by the great Lester Michael Henry,” declared Williams.

He added that he has high regard for the outgoing Member of Parliament (MP) Henry and has always been an advocate for the notion that Jamaicans who have dedicated their life to a noble cause and done well, should be recognised.

“Quite frankly, Mr Henry’s life of service has been remarkable, beyond comparison. In fact, I think we should look at ways in which we can honour Mr Henry. Forty years of service to a constituency and your country in various ways is no small feat.

“As an initial step, ways that come to mind is the possible renaming of Main Street in May Pen or the Palisadoes main road in honour of Mr Henry. Recall, it was under Mr Henry’s watch as transport and works minister that a wonderful job was done along the Palisadoes. He is a great and conscious servant of not only the Jamaica Labour Party but his country in many areas of public life,” said Williams.

After more than 40 years as MP for Clarendon Central, Henry indicated that he will not be contesting the next general election and endorsed his protégé Mayor of May Pen Joel Williams to be his successor.

Joel Williams is currently the constituency chairman and has reportedly received the endorsement of several influential JLP supporters in the constituency.

But, since news broke that Delroy Williams, a confidante of Holness, is interested in the seat, there has been a reported shifting of the ground, with many Labourites seemingly prepared to go with the choice of the party’s leadership.

According to Observer sources, Delroy Williams has been picking up traction in the constituency with some key JLP organisers, party delegates, and municipal corporation representatives actively supporting his bid.

It is not yet clear whether, given the expression of interest in the seat by Delroy Williams, this will cause the party to arrange a delegates’ selection conference or if the party’s operation’s council will be asked to make the call.