WESTERN BUREAU:
PEOPLE'S NATIONAL Party (PNP) aspirant for the North West St. James constituency, Henry McCurdy was born in the eastern parish of St. Thomas.
Mr. McCurdy, managing director of one of Montego Bay's most reputable security companies, Last Resort Detective Agency grew up in St. Catherine's volatile communities of St. John's Road and Homestead.
A graduate of the St. Catherine High School, he moved to Montego Bay in 1985 fresh out of the Police Academy.
After 12 years of service to country, moving up the ranks to detective corporal, he resigned from the police force in 1997 to concentrate on his security company. Today, Last Resort is a success story, employing over 300 persons mainly from the inner-city communities in Montego Bay.
GENTLE PERSUASION
The astute businessman said he never dreamt of entering the political arena, however, after the persuasion of several persons he decided to enter the race.
If he wins today's run-off against his only opponent Dr. Lennox Reid, he will likely represent the people of Mt. Salem, Flankers, Norwood, Ironshore, Salt Spring Road and Rose Mount in the next general election constitutionally due next year.
Now that he has placed his card in the race, he said his plan was to replicate his proven track record, this time in the political arena. "First and foremost, my aim is to see the people in North West living in peace and harmony, have the children playing in the streets once again."
"Because of the crime situation, children no longer have that luxury, unless they are allowed to play during their youth, unless they learn to love and socialise with each other from infancy, it's difficult for them to become good adults," he told The Gleaner.
LOST PRODUCTION
According to him production is being lost as a result of crime and he aspires to make a difference where this is concerned.
Said he: "My background has prepared me physically and mentally to deal with my constituency".
Actively involved in community development, Mr. McCurdy is a director of the Montego Bay Chamber of Chamber, where he serves as chairman of the crime and violence committee. He is president of the Cornwall College Parent-Teacher Associa-tion (PTA) and vice-president of the Mount Alvernia Preparatory PTA.
The 40-year-old businessman is married to Jennifer, a union that has surpassed 19 years. They have four children, three boys and a girl.
Janet Silvera
