ANNOTTO BAY, St Mary — In 2003 Lorane Ferguson failed in his bid to win St Mary South Eastern for the National Democratic Movement (NDM). Now the former NDM treasurer is confident that a second try, as a member of the People’s National Party, will yield better results.

“I am representing a party that offers the best alternative to this country, and I’m the best alternative for South East St Mary. I am ‘ready like Freddie’ to take up the mantle,” Ferguson quipped to the Jamaica Observer.

He is doing it, he said, not for himself but because of the love he has for people within the constituency.

“When I become the next Member of Parliament I will not be representing one set of people — I will be an MP for all,” he promised.

Ferguson, who is a businessman and former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), has given the man he wants to replace, the ruling Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Dr Norman Dunn, a failing grade. In his view the incumbent has neglected the constituency, resulting in stunted growth and no development.

“Unemployment is high, crime is high. [There is] a little football match now and then, yes, but what happens after? It goes back to square one. The policing in the constituency is poor; by 12 am the police stations are closed, no spot checks for migrating criminals. These things are unacceptable.

“Representation is not just [about] showing face. A fair alone cannot help. It feels good at the moment but what happens after is important,” Ferguson said passionately.

He said the feedback he has been receiving on the ground confirms that he is the best alternative to move the constituency forward.

“I’m with the people; I hear their pleas and cries and I try to assist in any way I can. I don’t make promises, I don’t need to buy votes. People need to be heard and have a sense that they are being listened to,” he said.

Eager to see the constituency achieve sustainable growth, Ferguson has identified Castleton as one of the communities with untapped potential. He pointed to the possibility of an eco-tourism park that could generate income while providing jobs for farmers, shopkeepers, and other residents.

“The farmers can come and sell their livestock and produce under a co-operative, and the community will be able to build itself as they benefit from this,” he said.

Under his leadership, Ferguson said, the constituency will create a central food bank from which buyers may source produce.

“Every year we have wastage of mangoes and apples, to name a few, so if we have a central marketplace [then the] buyers can come and source these foods instead of driving from place to place,” he said.

Ferguson told the Observer that his style of representation will be very hands-on.

“I will go into every district, community, nook and cranny of this constituency; walk with the people; listen to what they need to do and, with their ideas, will work together to make it happen — so if I’m right or wrong it will be a collaborative effort,” he said.

But first he has to get past the incumbent. Dunn first defeated the People’s National Party’s Dr Shane Alexis in a by-election on October 30, 2017, following the sudden passing of then Member of Parliament Dr Winston Green. In 2020 he beat him again in the general election.