CHRISTIANA, Manchester — Former Ambassador to the United States, Senator Audrey Marks, received a warm welcome from constituents in Manchester North Eastern on Tuesday, as she officially signaled her intention to contest the seat in the next general election. Marks, a political newcomer, is widely expected to be named the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) standard-bearer, succeeding long-serving Member of Parliament Audley “Man a Yaad” Shaw.
Accompanied by JLP leadership, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Deputy Prime Minister and Party General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang, and Deputy General Secretary Andrew Wheatley, Marks made her first public appearance in the constituency since speculation began about her candidacy.
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“This was very gratifying — just to see the openness,” said Marks following a party workers’ meeting at Christiana Christ Church. “They shared their concerns, but more importantly, expressed optimism about working together. They accepted that I am here to serve, and I am deeply grateful for their welcome.”
Expressing enthusiasm about her political debut, Marks praised the Government’s track record.
“I believe the JLP has done a tremendous job in laying the foundation for economic growth, and I want to contribute to achieving that third term so we can finish what we’ve started,” she stated.
“I’m excited, I’m ready to work, and I’m truly thankful for how receptive the people and delegates have been,” she added.
While Marks has not yet been formally named caretaker for the constituency, her presence alongside top party officials suggests her candidacy is imminent. Dr. Chang indicated during a radio interview on Monday that the formal announcement could come as early as next week.
Addressing questions about her relationship with Councillor Omar Miller of the Craighead Division and former JLP candidate Hidran McKulsky, Marks emphasized unity.
“It was very important that Mr. Miller and Mr. McKulsky were included in the decision-making process,” she said. “They expressed their own interest in the seat, and it means a lot that they are both willing to support my candidacy. I deeply appreciate their spirit of cooperation and commitment to the greater good of Jamaica.”
Marks, who recently returned home after serving two terms as Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States — first from 2010 to 2012, and again from 2016 until recently — said she looks forward to working with both men in the constituency.
Dr. Chang praised the reception Marks received during the visit.
“She was more than warmly received. I was impressed by the energy across the divisions — Craighead, Christiana, and Walderston. Everyone was energized and ready,” he said.
He noted that the party had gone through a comprehensive review process, including surveys, polls, and internal discussions before arriving at Marks as the preferred candidate.
“We are confident in our grass-roots organizers, and we are now ready to begin the process of retaining the seat and sending Ms. Marks to Parliament,” Chang added, noting that a formal announcement would follow shortly.
Despite the JLP’s loss of the Walderston and Christiana divisions in the most recent local government elections, Dr. Chang expressed confidence that the outcome would be different at the national level.
“We currently hold the seat, and we intend to win it with an even larger majority,” he said.
The opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is expected to again field Valenton “Val” Wint, who has contested the seat multiple times without success.
Dr. Chang declined to comment directly on the JLP’s prospects in Manchester Central and Southern but voiced optimism about expanding the party’s influence in the parish.
“We’ll share predictions later, but our workers are motivated. We’ll reclaim our seats — and possibly flip Manchester Northwestern,” he said, referring to the constituency held by the PNP’s Mikael Phillips.
Deputy General Secretary Dr. Andrew Wheatley confirmed that outgoing MP Audley Shaw is fully supportive of Marks’ candidacy.
“He’s behind her 100 percent. This is one team moving forward, and we will ensure that the people of Northeast Manchester continue to receive the quality representation they deserve,” Wheatley affirmed.
