‘Moses has come to lead us to the Promised Land’
JLP supporters hail Delroy Williams as deliverer for Clarendon Central
Published:Saturday | March 8, 2025 | 8:49 AMOlivia Brown/Gleaner Writer
Supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in Clarendon Central have hailed the constituency’s standard-bearer and deputy mayor of Kingston, Delroy Williams, as their “Moses”, entrusted with the task of leading them out of the metaphorical “hands of Pharaoh” and into the “Promised Land”.
The JLP secretariat officially recommended Williams, the former mayor of Kingston and current councillor for the Seiveright Gardens Division in St Andrew West Central, to succeed Mike Henry as the party’s candidate for Clarendon Central.
Constituents have expressed their belief that the leadership vacuum left by veteran politician Mike Henry, who has been at the helm of the seat for 45 years, has led to a stagnation in the constituency.
According to Gary Douglas, a member of the constituency executive, the absence of 89-year-old Henry had sapped the energy and enthusiasm of JLP supporters.
Addressing a large crowd at a welcome event for Williams in May Pen on Thursday, Douglas noted that the turnout was a clear indication of the resurgence of the Labour Party’s enthusiasm in the region.
“It’s been about 10 or 15 years since we’ve seen anything like this,” he remarked, gesturing to the multitude of people.
“The spirit of central Clarendon is back, and once Central Clarendon is strong, the whole of Clarendon is strong,” he added with conviction.
When asked what may have dampened the spirit across the constituency, Douglas pointed to Henry’s advancing age.
“Maybe because the member of Parliament is getting up in age ...he’s not as active as before, so it kinda put a damp on things. The people weren’t feeling the energy, but it’s something that comes with age, and we have to understand that,” Douglas explained to journalists at the event.
Mike Henry’s journey to becoming the longstanding member of Parliament began in 1976, when he challenged the People’s National Party’s O. D. Ramtallie and lost.
Seemingly undeterred, Henry again challenged Ramtallie in the 1980 general election. This time, he emerged victorious, defeating Ramtallie by a margin of 3,475 votes. Henry has been at the helm of the chairmanship of the constituency since 1980.
‘FEDDA TO MOSES’
“It’s time to pass the baton to someone who can run the race,” Douglas told the gathering on Thursday, expressing his full confidence in Williams’ ability to lead effectively and revitalise the constituency.
Roy Johnson, a self-described close ally of Mike Henry, also voiced his support for Williams, whom they affectionately call ‘Fedda’.
Johnson described Williams as having evolved from ‘Fedda’ to ‘Moses’, asserting that Williams was now positioned to lead the people from “bondage”.
“’Fedda’ is not ‘Fedda’ anymore; he’s Moses, and he has come to lead the people out of bondage from Pharaoh. We have no more problems now,” Johnson proclaimed.
“With Joel Williams as the mayor and ‘Fedda’ as our [candidate for] member of Parliament, that’s exactly what we need. Anybody who want something different, it’s not going to work. It’s ‘Fedda’ time now.”
When pressed about whom he referred to as “Pharaoh”, Johnson declined to name anyone, cryptically suggesting that “time would tell”.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Nadine Outar-Johnson, who said, “The people of Clarendon Central have spoken. We are in agreement for Delroy Williams ... Moses! He has come to lead us to the Promised Land.”
Donovan Williams, brother of Delroy Williams, has expressed his strong support for his sibling.
“I know that they know he’s an organiser, he’s a man for the people, he’s responsive, he has a track record, and the people of Clarendon Central have put their confidence in him, and I think they’re very happy with him,” Donovan said.
Efforts by The Gleaner and Television Jamaica to interview Delroy Williams at the event were unsuccessful, as he declined, citing his intention to “stay away from the media”.
Thursday’s celebration was interrupted on two occasions by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. The officers reportedly raised concerns that the music was excessively loud and requested that the event be halted. Following discussions between the police, Williams, and other stakeholders, the cops ultimately departed, allowing the event to continue.
Moments later, the law men returned, once again bringing the music to a halt. After more discussions, the officers left again, and the party continued.