Dixon aims to end PNP 23-year drought in Clarendon North Central

Clarendon North Central has been firmly in Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) hands for more than two decades, but People’s National Party (PNP) newcomer Dr Aujae Dixon is hoping to break that streak when Jamaicans head to the polls on September 3.

The seat last went to the PNP in 1997, when George Lyn secured his second straight victory, having first won in 1993. Since then, the JLP has maintained a stronghold, with Pearnel Charles Sr winning in 2002, 2007, 2011, and 2016. His successor, Robert Nesta Morgan, took over in 2020 and is now seeking re-election.

Dixon, a 31-year-old medical doctor with a special interest in paediatrics, says his deep roots in the constituency give him an edge.

“I was born, raised and live here, and that makes a difference,” he told The Gleaner as he assessed his chances.

EARLY INTEREST

A former youth aide to former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Dixon’s political interest began while he was a student at The University of the West Indies, Mona. He was part of the PNP’s 2020 campaign team for Dr Desmond Brennan, who was defeated by Morgan, 5,695 votes to 4,022. That experience, he said, only strengthened his resolve to enter frontline politics.

“I had always been interested in governance and representation,” he explained. “In fact, even residents from the other side of the political fence were encouraging me to enter.

“I am known here, as I was very involved with programmes like back-to-school free medicals, working with the churches; so people saw that I was very interested in my community. So when the invitation came in 2023 to be the PNP’s candidate, I spoke with my family and with senior people in the party, and decided I would take the next step,” he said.

Clarendon North Central, which covers Mocho, Rock River, and Chapelton, has 24,854 registered voters. Dixon insists the constituency has been neglected under JLP leadership.

WATER, ROADS BIGGEST CHALLENGES

“The biggest challenges in this constituency is water and roads,” he said. “Most communities do not have a consistent supply of water. People are forking out an average of $20,000 per month to fill the tanks. Pipes were laid in 2016 and nothing happened after. A dam was promised in Rock River and that is not yet on stream. The road network, especially in interior communities, is atrocious. That’s something I have to face every day, some roads are riverbeds.”

Despite the JLP’s long dominance, Dixon believes the groundwork has been laid for a stunning PNP upset.

“Much of what we need to do to turn him back has already been done,” he said. “I am from the area and supporting families from birth to death, and everything

in-between. I am supportive of families.”

With just days before Jamaicans cast their ballots, Dixon says his campaign is pushing hard to reclaim the seat the PNP last held 23 years ago.

“For the rest of the country it may be a surprise, but I expect to win,” he declared.

karen.madden@gleanerjm.com