NDP hopeful for Marriaqua seat to focus on agriculture

A focus on agriculture and agro-processing is part of the vision that New Democratic Party (NDP) hopeful, Phillip Jackson, has for the community of Marriaqua.

On December 23, 2024, the NDP’s Constituency Council in Marriaqua chose Jackson to run on an NDP ticket. He is expected to come up against the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) St. Clair “Jimmy” Prince in the next general elections. Jackson gained the nod over radio broadcaster, Lavern “Gypsy” Phillips.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT, Jackson, the Science and Technology Co-ordinator in the Ministry of Education, said he feels, “super-excited” as he awaits ratification from the NDP’s Central Committee.

“I dream 24/7 about working together with the talented and resourceful people of Marriaqua to help us realize our truest potential in all areas of endeavour and development,” Jackson outlined.

“We are going to organize, organize and organize again at all levels for success for all. No one will be left behind. As a politician, I see myself as a facilitator to bring out the best in our people. I must decrease so that our people increase. We will learn together, plan together, work together, and win together,” Jackson told SEARCHLIGHT.

Asked about his involvement in party politics, Jackson said, “I am not sure if to say that I am involved in politics or politics is involved with me”.

“In 1984, as a nine-year-old boy, I cannot forget the hopeful excitement in my family, neighbourhood, and on the streets about changing the government and have new leadership in the country. I used to sell popsicles on afternoons, and I collected all the campaign pins and posters and flyers that were given out by either side,” Jackson reflected.

“ Apart from cricket in the road or damming a ‘sprang’ in river, that experience was one of the most exciting at that age.”

Fast forward to 1989, I had a front seat view of the politics of getting a candidate elected. For my father, Alfred Jackson, and the entire family, Bernard Wyllie was our pick to take down the ‘Iron Man’, Ken Browne, and against all odds, take down he did.”

“Our home was like a key nerve centre of the campaign as well as during most of Bernard’s tenure as a Member of Parliament and minister of government, as my father was a chief mentor and advisor to Bernard. I learnt political strategy and communication, and principles of good representation and governance first hand,” the budding politician told SEARCHLIGHT.

He said as exciting and insightful as this was, what he found more profound was his father’s frequent calls to the ‘Searchlight’ Programme on NBC Radio to air the views of the people and hold the party he supported accountable in government.

“So, patriotic politics has been part of me for a very long time, and I believe I chose the NDP, and NDP chose me,” Jackson stressed, while noting that since his teenage years, he has been deeply engaged in the questions of development of the country, which is evident in things such as him winning awards in science fairs for projects that focussed on sustainable development, green economy and circular economy, long before these terms were being used in public policy.

“I have written solid policy papers on all aspects of development related to human resource development. Science, technology, and innovation, industrial policy related to the digital economy and emerging consumer trends,” Jackson pointed out.

“In addition, I have worked for varying lengths of time at three major regional institutions focused on development, including private sector development. I have a wide experience in international collaboration and networking on matters of digital development and innovation,” Jackson said of his readiness to help develop the country.

He said he brings to the people of Marriaqua and to the country, a deep sense of community service and a very solid preparation for shaping policy and governance.

If elected, “I will be a man for all of Marriaqua and country. Me nar watch face nor colour,” he quipped, while adding that his tenure would focus on making sure that people in the area fulfil their maximum potential in agriculture and agro-processing.

“Marriaqua will become the capital for agro, eco, and nature tourism. The potential is endless,” Jackson said. He spoke as well about generating electricity through micro hydro-plants, noting that Marriaqua was once an industrial powerhouse driven by wind and water.

Jackson has a first degree in Biology, and a masters degree in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, along with certificates in various aspects of development. He has started a PhD in Economic, Development Policy, with emphasis of how to use data digitalization for development.

In relation to legislation that allows a public servant to contest elections and retain their jobs, Jackson said he stepped up in 2020 even before the legislation.

“That is the level of my commitment. I do not need to have any legislation to cushion me for this important job. Truth is, this legislation should have come a very long time ago if the government were seriously interested in making SVG truly competitive in a modern global economy, but alas.”