CAMBRIDGE, St James — The significance of being the first woman elected to represent St James Southern in Parliament is not lost on Nekeisha Burchell.

But even as the pride of that achievement continues to run through her veins like an adrenaline rush, Burchell is already planning how to get through a full in tray of programmes and projects she intends to implement for her constituents.

“Becoming the first female MP (Member of Parliament) for South St James fills me with pride and responsibility,” she told the Jamaica Observer after the Electoral Office of Jamaica’s final count of votes in the September 3, 2025 General Election confirmed her victory last Saturday.

Burchell, who represents the People’s National Party (PNP), received 6,483 votes to defeat the incumbent Homer Davis of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) who polled 6,284.

She will now become one of the record 19 women who will be sworn into the new Parliament soon.

“I carry the weight of history and the hopes of young women who want to break barriers. This victory belongs not just to me, but to every little girl who now knows that her voice matters and her dreams are possible. Together, we will make south a model for transformation,” Burchell told the Observer. stated.

Turning her focus on the job ahead, Burchell said: “Our immediate priorities will be the everyday necessities that our people have long demanded, including reliable roads, clean water, decent housing, strong schools, and support for agriculture. These are the foundation of daily life and they cannot wait.”

However, Burchell is clear that the constituency will require more in long-term initiatives to boost opportunities for the development of residents.

“I am equally committed to building a brighter future through transformation. That means creating a job bank and skills hub to connect people with training and employment,” she explained.

“It means youth innovation labs to prepare our young people for the digital economy, agro-processing cooperatives to give farmers new income streams, and a farm-to-school nutrition programme that feeds our children while strengthening local agriculture,” she added.

Burchell said she also plans to focus on the educational needs of her constituents and has proposed a number of initiatives geared at that.

“I will champion after-school programmes, scholarships for first-generation university students, and e-learning centres to ensure every child has access to opportunity,” she explained.

“Through leadership programmes for young women, sports development leagues, and creative and cultural initiatives, we will build confidence, pride, and resilience in our communities,” Burchell said.

She believes that her overall plans for the constituency will have a positive impact.

“The ‘Believe with Burchell’ campaign has always been about more than winning votes,” she said in reference to her campaign slogan. “It is about unlocking dreams and showing that the people of South St James are ready for transformation.”

“Together, we will not only meet our basic needs but also prepare our people for a better life,” Burchell said.

BURCHELL… this victory belongs not just to me, but to every little girl who now knows that her voice matters and her dreams are possible