‘I am not presenting myself because I am a woman’

Dr Angela Brown-Burke has declared that her gender is not the reason she is seeking to be re-elected as one of four Vice Presidents of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

She is the only incumbent who is a female, and the only woman to already declare an interest in contesting the party’s September polls.

In fact, Dr Brown-Burke was nominated today, July 20.

Among the PNP members who expressed support for her are Councillor for the Papine Division Venesha Phillips, trade unionist Granville Valentine, PNP candidate for St Andrew East Rural Joan Gordon-Webley, Member of Parliament for Kingston Central Ronald Thwaites, and Councillor from South East St Ann Lydia Richards.

Brown-Burke, shortly after being nominated, told a throng of supporters: “I am not presenting myself because I am a woman.

“I am presenting myself because I come from the people and I know what it is for people to champion causes so that I can have an education… I know what it is like to have individuals who believe in you, and that’s what I stand for,” Brown-Burke trumpeted.

“You have in me a Vice President who is not afraid to champion your causes – who is not afraid to be your voice.”

She also urged her supporters and other candidates to remain united despite the contest.

Angela Brown Burke (right) receives her nomination document from PNP General Secretary Julian Robinson Photo Credit:

“While we have a contest internally, we have to ensure that at the end of the day we maintain unity,” Brown-Burke appealed.

“The task ahead of us is to make sure that, as a party, we understand that we are not just about the PNP. We are not just about the PNP because we are building a Jamaica that works for all…

“Go out there and make people know that we are talking on their behalf, that we are concerned about their welfare, about their children, about how they are going to school, about the level of crime and violence, about the level of corruption…” added Brown-Burke.

The four Vice President slots are currently filled by Brown-Burke, as well as Dr Fenton Ferguson, Dr Wykeham McNeill, and Noel Arscott.

The three non-incumbents who publicly declared their intention to vie for the Vice President posts are Mikael Phillips, Damion Crawford, and Phillip Paulwell.

By Horace Mills

WE also do obituaries, advertisement, and special coverage of funerals, birthday parties, weddings, and other milestones. Call or WhatsApp us at 876-305-4574 or emaail us at jamaicabeaconnews@gmail.com.