JLP cannot defeat a united PNP, says Natalie Ho after accepting Church Pen Division candidacy

Ho is a native of Sharper Lane in the division and has been aligned to the socialist democratic party for many years.

Her announcement has ignited huge optimism among ardent supporters who believe she represents their best bet to unseat incumbent councillor, Mark O'Connor of the Jamaica Labour Party.

A former Miss Old Harbour beauty queen and second runner-up at the 1997 Miss St Catherine Festival Queen competition, Ho is also a graduate of the University of Technology, where she successfully completed a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration.

Her work in the constituency over the years is well known, always offering herself to assist people in various ways, be it through education or social enterprise.

“I’m making a run for elected office because I want to make a difference in the lives of the people that need help. My family lives in Church Pen, I want to keep this community a great place to raise a family,” she tells Old Harbour News after her selection was officially ratified by the executive arm of the party recently.

“I have the experience in healthcare, organization and community service necessary to be an effective leader. I will work hard and make sure your voice is heard,” she added.

For more than two decades the Church Pen Division has been in control of the JLP with O’Connor winning handsomely at the polls last time in 2016. Amid low voter turnout, O’Connor, now seeking a fourth term in office, defeated the PNP’s Andrew Robinson 2489 to 973 votes.

However, given Ho’s charmed and charismatic persona, the battle should be hotter going into the parochial elections.

Ho is wasting no time appealing to her base and general constituents.

“Some people view voting as inconvenient, time consuming and may even seem pointless. It is important to vote,” she contends. “The law does not require us to vote, however, it is our civic responsibilities, while not mandatory, are central to democracy.

“Church Pen Division must vote for me, Natalie, to represent them and their ideas, and I will definitely support their interest.

“Voting for me gives you the power to decide on the quality of life you want for yourself and future generations. I will represent the issues you care about like public transportation, raising minimum wage, unemployment, or funding local schools. This is your life, take the time to decide what’s best.

“Elections are decided by the people who go out and vote. Take time and to learn the measures and your candidates. If you don’t vote, someone else will make the decision for you. Your power is in your vote.”

Ho has pencilled July 31 for the party to host its divisional conference, the first in six years. It represents the first of many strategic steps by Ho to galvanise her base as well as the division around a common ideal of their interest.

It is understood that several heavyweights in the party have confirmed their attendance for the upcoming conference in Church Pen, but Ho refused to divulge any names.

“The Jamaica Labour Party cannot defeat a united People’s National Party at the polls. United we stand divided we fall and if our back should ever be against the wall, no comrade must be left behind,” said Ho, a former student of Old Harbour High and Marlie Mount Primary schools.

Thanking Comrades for giving her the opportunity to lead them, Ho has vowed that: “I will bring home this seat for them.  I’m looking forward to victory at the polls come election day.”