Tufton banks on Greater Innswood Project as PNP, PJP gear up for challenge

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for St Catherine West Central, Dr Christopher Tufton, says he has laid the foundation for significant development in the constituency and is banking on the proposed Greater Innswood Project as a major plank for his next five years in office.

“This development is going to mean significant commercial development and residential development. To see through with this development, it includes taking the floodwater off the main road, it includes widening St John’s Road to accommodate the traffic,” Tufton said, speaking to reporters after being nominated to represent the JLP in the September 3 general election.

He added that the development would transform the corridor.

“It also means that residents in the area will have supermarkets, banking services and all the other things along the corridor, as well as housing,” he informed.

According to Tufton, emphasis will also be placed on bolstering support for farmers and addressing long-standing water issues.

“And then there are some critical roads, including farm roads, that we will have to address. So, for me, the next term is [focused on] major development along the St John’s Road corridor on both sides,” he stated.

Tufton, who is seeking a third term in office, first won the seat in 2016 when he defeated the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Clinton Clarke by polling 8,437 votes to Clarke’s 4,716. He was returned in 2020 with 6,986 votes against the PNP’s Kenyama Brown, who managed 2,167.

This time around, he faces political neophyte Locksley Francis of the PNP, who was nominated ahead of Tufton. Francis has been sharply critical of the incumbent, calling for a forensic audit of the PHOTO BY RConstituency Development Fund. He has accused Tufton of failing to deliver meaningful projects despite having access to the funds.

Also entering the race is Colleen Ellison-Hall, who will represent the Progressive Jamaica Party (PJP). She said her party would prioritise land titling, roads, piped water, and healthcare.

“Our president is very generous. He is going to give every household US$400 per month as part of a safety net,” Ellison-Hall said. She further promised that a PJP government would abolish income tax and introduce a one per cent water, “so people can get water in their taps without a bill”.

ruddy.mathison@gleanerjm.com