PORTLAND, Jamaica (AFP) — Attorney-at-law, the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Isat Buchanan, who is seeking to wrest the Portland Eastern seat from the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Ann-Marie Vaz, is banking on his education initiative among other things, to put him over the top whenever Jamaicans go to the polls in the next general election.

When he was announced as the party’s caretaker-candidate for the constituency last year, Buchanan, who is making his foray into representational politics, had promised to deliver over 3,000 tablets to students in the constituency.

With the election possibly just weeks away, Buchanan, the PNP’s candidate in what analysts expect to be a hard-fought seat, is announcing “an exciting milestone in his ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide in Eastern Portland”.

“Thanks to generous donations and community support, the tablet drive has surpassed 3,000 devices, with a current total of 3,251 tablets distributed to local households and students in East Portland,” Buchanan said Sunday. “This initiative aims to ensure that every child in Eastern Portland has access to vital educational tools necessary for remote learning, research, skill development and for their technological advancement,” he added.

Buchanan explained that, “This milestone is in keeping with my manifesto message of bringing the H.E.A.T (Health, Education, Entertainment, Agriculture and Tourism), where the ‘E’ is for education”. He said his commitment to this cause reflects his belief that education is the true divider and equal access to technology is a fundamental right.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their background or where they live. Reaching this milestone proves our community’s dedication to ensuring no child is left behind in this digital age,” the Member of Parliament-aspirant emphasised.

Buchanan has personally donated over 500 tablets to the initiative after kick-starting the drive way back in November 2024 and inspiring others to join and contribute. The remaining tablets are being distributed through partnerships with local schools, community organisations, and stakeholders to reach underserved households.

“Given that we have surpassed the target, Buchanan’s vision extends beyond this drive. He envisions a future where Health, Education, Entertainment, Agriculture and Tourism are supported through technological access, infrastructure improvements, and enhancement of the overall quality of life in Eastern Portland,” said a statement.

Whether Buchanan gets to implement the HEAT, will be determined after the polls close whenever that date is set by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Portland Eastern has been a good stomping ground for the PNP in recent decades despite the party being shut out since 2019 when its candidate Damion Crawford lost a by-election to Vaz. The by-election was triggered by the stabbing death of two-term MP, Dr Lynvale Bloomfied. At the time Bloomfield was killed, the PNP had held the seat for 30 years and seven general election victories dating back to 1989.

The PNP will be going all out to win back what was once an impregnable fortress but will have to contend with what Vaz’s husband Daryl, who has held the neighbouring West Portland constituency since 2007, has described as ‘Vaz country’.