Government senator and junior minister in the Ministry of Tourism, the Jamaica Labour Party’s Delano Seiveright has announced his intention to be the party’s candidate for St Andrew North Central in the upcoming general election.

It sets up a potential run-off between Seiveright and another aspirant for the candidacy, attorney-at-law Christian Tavares-Finson, in the race to replace long-serving Member of Parliament Karl Samuda as the party’s representative in the constituency.

Seiveright made the announcement via text and video releases.

“After deep reflection, countless conversations and a genuine desire and a sense of duty, I made the decision to formally offer myself to serve as chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s North Central St Andrew constituency,” Seiveright said in the video.

“This is not a decision driven by ego or ambition, it is driven by purpose, by service and by love for the people of this constituency and our great party,” he added.

Seiveright noted that he has the “full support” of Samuda “whose service and guidance I deeply respect”, as well as long-serving councillors in the constituency, Lee Clarke and Susan Senior.

“I also want to acknowledge Mrs [Pauline] Samuda for her steadfast presence and years of commitment to this constituency,” Seiveright said.

Late last year, he was unanimously elected vice-chairman of the constituency by delegates in a meeting chaired by the outgoing MP.

READ: ‘No decision made on Karl Samuda’s successor’

While noting his strong connection to St Andrew North Central, Seiveright stressed that his application was not driven by “entitlement”, but by his desire to deliver “meaningful results” to the people of the constituency.

“As a proud constituent and a past student of Calabar High School, I know the value of community, teamwork, and respect for every individual, values I have carried throughout my over 22 years of service to the party (started at 18 years old). I did not get here through family connections or privilege, but by consistent hard work, dedication, and always putting people first,” Seiveright said.

“The tremendous support and encouragement I have received from constituents, both here at home and from those overseas, is truly humbling. Your calls, messages, and firm push for clarity and direction have played a big part in this decision,” he added.

Tavares-Finson last month announced his intention to succeed Samuda as standard bearer for the constituency. According to a promotional flyer, his plans include upgrading the Constant Spring football facility, formalizing the Constant Spring bus park market, strengthening road infrastructure, intensifying urban upgrading programme in inner-city areas, emphasizing education and school upgrades, and establishing a forest reserve.