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Jamaica should resolve dual-citizenship issue
“So, therefore fix it. Has anything been done about that? No. And I tell you when the next election is called, I will be asking the Electoral Commission, ‘Are the candidates properly nominated?’ Because that’s all I said, that they are properly nominated because there was nothing wrong in what I said … ,” Walker argued of his conduct as director of elections during the 2007 general election.
The PNP’s West Portland candidate in that election, Abraham Dabdoub, took Vaz to court and forced the rerun of the election after Vaz was disqualified. Walker’s press release stating that Vaz was properly nominated was cited in the judgment as influential.
Billed as a “proven performer”, Walker said he had an enviable track record before his dual citizenship – a status given by his parents, who wanted their children to have options, became an issue.
He will contest the Central Manchester seat against PNP General Secretary Peter Bunting.
In 2007, Bunting narrowly defeated the JLP’s Sally Porteous but Walker, credited with overhauling the country’s electoral system, said he loves a challenge and believes he has something to offer the constituency.
“Central Manchester to me presents opportunities that can be developed. It has universities, it has declining bauxite industries. In the next 20 years or so, bauxite will be over. So I figure I want to be in a place that needs my industry and intellect to solve the employment issues, crime issues and the development of this place,” he told reporters.
“Central Manchester has tough issues and I know I can work on them because, as you know, I love a challenge.”
Noting that he could have always negotiated “some easy seat”, Walker said he instead chose the seat with the largest constituency of returning residents in Jamaica.
He said he was a proud returning resident and would take on their issues with passion as Jamaica has not made it easy for individuals to return home.
