#JaVotes2025 | Family ties drive first-time voters in St Thomas Eastern

Several first-time voters were spotted casting their ballots in St Thomas Eastern, many of them motivated by the influence and encouragement of friends and family.

Despite increasing awareness of national issues among younger Jamaicans, family tradition remains the leading reason why many people vote in Jamaica.

While there is a growing belief that more youth are now voting based on policy, several admitted that their decisions were still rooted in family affiliations.

In East Prospect, Shante Brown, a 21-year-old customer service clerk, expressed some hesitation as she entered the polling station. She admitted that she only decided to vote because a friend — whom she considers like a mother — urged her to.

Brown, who voted for the People’s National Party (PNP), initially had little knowledge of the party's promises or policies. However, she shared that she did some quick research on election morning.

“This morning, I was researching about them, and I read online that they have reduced crime and will be providing more justice for people. They will also be giving more people food and jobs,” she said.

Meanwhile, in Morant Bay, 22-year-old Sheree, an unemployed mother of two, appeared unsure about her vote. When asked why she was voting, she paused before saying that her family told her to. Though uncertain, she hoped that the government would provide assistance to help raise her children.

In contrast, Hylton Williams, who arrived at the polling station in Port Morant with his mother, Suzannie Clarke, was confident in his decision to vote for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

“I am voting for a better Jamaica,” Williams said.

“I’ve seen where the prime minister is doing his best, and I believe he’ll continue to do so if re-elected. Why would I vote out a government that is already working?”

Williams, a young man preparing to attend college, said he was particularly encouraged by the JLP’s plan to reduce the interest rates for the Students' Loan Bureau.

He also praised both Dr Michelle Charles, the JLP's candidate for the constituency, and the prime minister for their efforts and development projects in the area.

In Stokes Hall, Mario Miller acknowledged that while he was voting based on family loyalty, he appreciated the improvements happening in his community.

Back in Morant Bay, 23-year-old Aaliah Cohen, another first-time voter and JLP supporter, shared her perspective:

“Even though I’m young, since Andrew [Holness] came into power, we’ve seen more jobs, better roads, and more opportunities,” she said.

Cohen credited Dr Michelle Charles for doing well in the constituency but noted that she needs to engage more directly with residents to strengthen her support base.

Dr Charles is going up against the PNP's Yvonne Rose Shaw and the Jamaica Progressive Party's Jovian Blair.

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