Egwugwu Priestly wants voters to know his name

To say his name is a bit of a tongue twister, but Egwugwu Priestly is hoping his name will be on everyone's lips, as he seeks to take the tightly held Kingston East and Port Royal seat from the People's National Party. Of his name, he said, "My mother read the book Things Fall Apart, she see it and like it and gave me the name."

'Egwugwu' means one who cherishes the spirit of his ancestors. Priestly hails from Pembroke Road and is a past student of Calabar High School and St George's College.

The standard-bearer for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is seeking to take the seat from Phillip Paulwell, who has been the member of parliament for 23 years.

In his race to the finish line on September 3, Priestly is confident of victory in the general elections. "A my grung dis. Based on what's going on in East Kingston right now, not even politics per se, but at the age of 40, I just say enough is enough. The youths in East Kingston, they need the help," he said.

With noted artistes such as Jahvillani, Masicka and Dovey Magnum endorsing politicians, Priestly told THE STAR he doesn't need any dubs.

"The prime minister endorsing me is more than enough. That's enough for me," he said. Priestly said having grown up in the constituency, he is aware of the needs of the residents.

He explained his role in helping citizens get additional training through HEART/NSTA Trust. "My aim is to help out residents and communities of East Kingston. I want to cut crime and violence and bring opportunities to the constituency," he said. He also said that he wants to get rid of the culture of voter intimidation and voter suppression. "It's the first since my opponent has been running that any Labourite representative ever get so much attention and attraction. And it's the first ever in East Kingston, apart from in 1980, that persons are coming out boldly wanting to represent the Jamaica Labour Party. They're not afraid anymore. I need to get my seat, a change is coming," he said. Priestly currently holds a bachelor's degree in management studies.