PORTLAND, Jamaica — Portland Eastern Member of Parliament (MP) Ann-Marie Vaz on Sunday alluded that she deserves another term as MP, citing what she said were positive developments in the constituency under her stewardship.

Speaking at a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Area Council Leadership Meeting in Buff Bay, Vaz highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements in East Portland, including various road repair programmes such as the REACH and Spark initiatives, as well as the South Coast Highway project.

She acknowledged that while there has been significant progress in addressing road issues in the region, the process is gradual due to years of neglect.

“Road is one of the number one prides in East Portland because so many roads that even donkey could walk on them and as much road as we fix is as much road that needs to be fixed. But it is impossible to fix 31 years of neglect in five years. The entire budget for the island would have to be spent in Portland for that to happen. But if you look at what has happened in the last five years, we can be sure that in the next five years, we will all know to reach where we want to reach,” Vaz said.

Additionally, Vaz shared that over $9 million had been spent on education in the region and praised the government’s efforts in supporting women’s health through a free mammogram programme, which benefitted 200 women in east Portland.

“We spent over $9 million on education. When I came to East Portland, Carder Park was a boat pen and today, we are able to play night football with stadium-level lights. This government understands sports and education and I am urging youth in Portland, because we take Portland as one,” she said.

Meanwhile, the MP also urged young people in Portland to take advantage of the HEART/NSTA Trust certification programmes to become upskilled in preparation for the job opportunities that will arise from the Boundbrook Urban Centre development in Port Antonio.

She emphasised the importance of getting certified and prepared for the upcoming job openings linked to this major development, which is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy.

“I am urging youth in Portland, because we take Portland as one. It’s always the only purpose of election. Together my husband and I are here in Portland. I am urging the youths to take advantage of the HEART programme and get yourself certified and upskilled so that when Boundbrook begins, you will be ready for the jobs that this unprecedented development will bring to our country,” Vaz said.

The Boundbrook Urban Centre, set to be constructed on 6.68 acres of land at a total cost of $4.2 billion, will generate thousands of jobs for Portland residents.