Michelle Charles confident but cautious in St Thomas Eastern election

With just weeks to go before Jamaicans head to the polls, incumbent Member of Parliament for St Thomas Eastern, Dr Michelle Charles, is striking a confident but cautious tone as she seeks a second term under the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) banner.

Speaking with reporters after her nomination at the Coke Methodist Church in Morant Bay, St Thomas, Dr Charles, who has represented the constituency since 2020, acknowledged that the race will be competitive.

"I don't ever underestimate anyone that I'm running against," Charles said. "But I am honoured to represent the people of St Thomas Eastern for the last five years."

She admitted, however, that there is still much more work to be done.

"Everyone in St Thomas Eastern knows that we have so much more work to do. What I would say to them is, this Andrew Holness Government is one that loves St Thomas Eastern, one that has invested in St Thomas Eastern. So everyone put on your sunglasses, because the future of St Thomas Eastern is bright," she said.

Charles is campaigning on what she describes as the continuation of the JLP's work in the constituency, citing investments in infrastructure and community development as key achievements. She highlighted projects such as the SPARKS programme, a new museum, and job creation as evidence of the government's commitment to the parish.

Asked what sets her apart from her main political rival, the People's National Party's Yvonne Shaw, Charles said: "She's a warrior, just like me, but what sets us apart is that I've never been confused. I'm a rock-stone Labourite. I don't go left, right, centre, back and forth based on opportunities or what is needed. I stay focused on goals, work toward what is needed, and no one can deflect me with a little finance run over yah so."

Charles added that she prides herself on being dependable. "I am the kind of person that you can depend on. You know for a fact that whatever I say is true. I'm not going to change my mind in five years."

While acknowledging Shaw's reputation as a hard worker, Charles argued that her rival made a mistake by leaving the JLP.

"I have the team that loves St Thomas and has invested. They have not just talked the talk. My team has walked the walk, and that's the main thing that sets us apart," she said.

- Tanesha Mundle

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