Two political analysts say the immediate resignation of Marsha Smith as Member of Parliament for North East St. Ann did not come as a surprise.
The Office of the Prime Minister announced Ms. Smith’s resignation today.
Analysts Kevin O’Brien Chang and Linton Gordon are of the view that Smith’s position as MP for the constituency was on the rocks, following fiery demonstrations by supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party, (JLP).
The party supporters complained that Ms. Smith failed in her duties as MP and called for her removal.
The JLP later introduced Matthew Samuda as the caretaker for the constituency.
For the past few months, Mr. Samuda has been active in the communities, engaging residents and addressing their concerns.
Mr. Chang said Ms. Smith’s resignation essentially means that Mr. Samuda’s efforts have not been in vain, as it would have been foolhardy for him to continue carrying out the duties of an MP caretaker, if Ms. Smith remained the official MP.
Meantime, Mr. Gordon noted that with Mr. Samuda getting the support of residents, Ms. Smith’s position became untenable.
In response to queries about the timing of Marsha Smith’s resignation, which could be viewed as a signal for the calling of a by-election, both Mr. Chang and Mr. Gordon said its not.
