Colin Campbell

Former General secretary of the People's National Party (PNP) Colin Campbell seems set to return to representational politics after being out since 2002.

The man who has been haunted by the ghost of the 2006 Trafigura scandal, and who recently received a financial settlement in relation to leaked information in that case appears to have etched a foothold in the strong South Central St Catherine constituency.

Campbell, who was a member of parliament in Eastern St Andrew between 1993 and 2002, has confirmed his interest in South Central St Catherine.

He told The Gleaner that he is engaged in exploratory activities in the constituency.

Campbell said he has not yet formally advised the party secretariat of his desire to contest the next election as he is currently engaged in extensive consultations with the constituents.

Hay-webster may step aside

Sitting MP Sharon Hay-Webster has been under severe pressure from influential constituents to relinquish the seat.

Campbell said he held discussions with Hay-Webster, who indicated that she would be stepping aside.

Initially, Hay-Webster had defiantly declared she would not be surrendering her US citizenship but later recanted.

However, her popularity has been declining rapidly as she has lost the support of a significant portion of the leadership in the constituency, which has been calling for her replacement.

Insiders said this was as a result of Hay-Webster's U-turn after declaring that she was willing to give up the constituency for her US citizenship.

Hay-Webster told The Gleaner a month after making the declaration that she had a change of heart and that she would carry out a promise to relinquish her US citizenship.

But Hay-Webster's pronouncement has raised eyebrows among PNP insiders who, after she suggested she would give up the constituency, questioned her commitment.

South Central St Catherine has been dominated by the PNP since it was established in the lead-up to the 1993 general election, but it has not been without its fair share of controversy.

The constituency's first MP, Heather Robinson, quit resolutely declaring that she would not work with alleged Clansman leader Donovan 'Bulbie' Bennett, who was later killed by members of the security forces.

Hay-Webster succeeded Robinson, but she too had to withstand the pressure of other aspirants from within the PNP in the lead-up to the 2002 general election.

Earlier this year, Basil Waite ventured into the constituency, but backed out months later. Waite apologised to Hay-Webster for any misunderstandings about his intentions during his time in the constituency.

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com