MANCHESTER, Jamaica – Emotions ran high as three-decade Member of Parliament Audley ‘Man A Yaad’ Shaw was lauded for his service to Manchester North East as he handed over to his successor Senator Audrey Marks to contest the next parliamentary election on the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) ticket.

JLP supporters were overrun by emotions when Shaw entered the auditorium at Holmwood Technical High School on Sunday afternoon.

Shaw, who last year announced his exit from representational politics, was lauded by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness for his contribution to the constituency and the party.

“Tonight is a very emotional night. I know, as I observe the faces, that there are those holding back the tears. There are those who understand the ecclesiastic nature of the time. There is a time and place for everything,” said Holness.

“First, let me acknowledge the work and contribution of a great Jamaican statesman, Audley ‘Man A Yaad’ Shaw. There are no greater compliments than compliments that are paid by former adversaries as you would all recall Audley and myself had a run-off and Audley was a worthy opponent, a strong opponent, but Audley has a certain character about him, a certain spirit about him, a certain virtue about him that no matter what you have to love ‘Man A Yaad’.”

“Audley is not out of the game. He will be here to give us his incredible knowledge and wisdom. He will be around for you and for the young people to come into the party. I am happy to have Audley still with us supporting the effort of the Jamaica Labour Party,” added Holness.

Shaw, in endorsing Marks, spoke of his twin sister who has the same first name as the aspirant and thanked party workers for their support.

“She has the name of my twin sister, Audrey. Audley and Audrey…Thirty-three years as Member of Parliament, the longest serving MP for the parish of Manchester, and I could not have done it without your help,” he said.

Manchester North East, which consists of three divisions, namely Christiana, Walderston and Craighead, is again eyed by the People’s National Party with its representative Valenton Wint returning.

Wint has thrice contested parliamentary elections on behalf of the PNP. He lost each time. He was defeated by Shaw in Manchester North Eastern in 2011 and 2016 and by Zavia Mayne (JLP) in St Ann South Western in 2020.

Shaw evoked laughter from the audience as he recounted his loss in the 1989 election to businessman Calvin Lyn, who served one term as MP in the constituency and three terms as councillor for the Christiana Division.

Shaw said that, having won all three divisions in the constituency in 1990, he prepared the JLP to firmly control the seat.

“I lost the first election in 1989 to an undertaker. The following year, I won all of the parish council seats, so I said to Calvin Lyn. Let’s make a deal, you take care of the dead and ‘Man A Yaad’ take care of the living,” he said.

Transport Minister and Portland Western Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz announced his desire to have the newly proposed Christiana Transport Centre be named in honour of Shaw.

“When we win the next election, whether I am transport minister or not, because that is the prerogative of the prime m inister, the transport centre in Christiana will be named after him and expanded… We must never forget the sacrifice of persons who give service in politics and in Government,” said Vaz.

– Kasey Williams

Photo: Kasey Williams

Photo: Kasey Williams

Photo: Kasey Williams