JLP ready for Central Westmoreland by-election following Roger Clarke's death

Amid the mourning following the passing of Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke, the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) says it will be ready to go to the polls when a by-election is called in Central Westmoreland.



Clarke who was in his second term as Central Westmoreland MP, died from a suspected heart attack in Florida yesterday en route to Jamaica.



He had been in the United States since last month receiving medical treatment for a back condition.



JLP General Secretary, Dr Horace Chang, says the party already has a caretaker for Central Westmoreland, financial consultant, Fae Jacobs.



Chang says Jacobs has been working in the constituency and the party is confident that she will be successful in an election.



"Roger is a genuine person who has friends across the political divide and we (JLP) loved working with him. We have a good candidate down there (Central Westmoreland)and a team that’s ready to go but right now we are more concerned about paying tribute to Roger Clarke," said Chang.



Speaking with reporters yesterday, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, said the necessary steps will be taken in due time to fill the vacancy left by Clarke.



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