JLP Veterans Karl Samuda and Mike Henry Announce Retirement from Politics

Samuda and Henry to Step Down from Representing Constituencies

Two of the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) most prominent veterans, Karl Samuda and Mike Henry, have announced that they will not be seeking re-election when the next general election is called, which is due by September 2025.

The news was revealed by JLP General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang during a media briefing at the party’s Belmont Road headquarters on Thursday.

It follows the announcement that Audley Shaw will depart from representational politics.

Karl Samuda: A Legacy of Service

Karl Samuda, who has served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for St Andrew North Central, is one of Jamaica’s most seasoned politicians. He first won the seat in 1980 and has since built a legacy of service. Samuda’s last ministerial role was as Minister of Labour and Social Security, a post he held until his resignation in May 2023. Prior to his service as Labour Minister, he also held significant positions as Minister of Education and Minister of Agriculture.

Samuda is one of the few Jamaican politicians with the distinction of having won elections across different political platforms. His career saw a notable twist in the 1990s when he was expelled from the JLP and subsequently joined the People’s National Party (PNP) in 1993, at the invitation of then-Prime Minister Michael Manley. Samuda returned to the JLP years later, re-establishing himself as a key figure in the party. Along with Mike Henry and former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, Samuda holds the distinction of having secured some of the most election victories in Jamaica’s history.

Mike Henry: A Champion of Reparations

On the other hand, Mike Henry, who has represented the Central Clarendon constituency since 1980, is equally celebrated for his resilience and political longevity. Henry’s career in politics was marked by a tragic moment in 1976, when he was shot during the election campaign, but he went on to win his seat the following year and has never looked back. Henry has served in several prominent government roles, including Minister of Information, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Minister of Works, and Minister of Transportation and Mining.

Beyond his work in government, Henry is known for his fervent advocacy for reparations, particularly in relation to Jamaica’s history of slavery and colonialism. His leadership in the reparations movement has earned him respect both locally and internationally.

The Legacy of Samuda and Henry

Both Samuda and Henry are expected to leave behind a legacy of service that spans over four decades. Their decision not to seek re-election marks the end of an era for the JLP, leaving a significant gap in the party’s leadership.

The JLP, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, will now look ahead to the next generation of leaders as it prepares for the upcoming general election.

Conclusion

The retirement of Karl Samuda and Mike Henry marks a significant milestone in Jamaican politics. Both leaders have dedicated their lives to serving the people of Jamaica, and their legacy will be remembered for generations to come.

FAQs

Q: What is the reason for Karl Samuda and Mike Henry’s decision to retire from politics?

A: The exact reason for their decision is not specified, but it is believed to be due to their advanced age and the desire to step aside and make way for the next generation of leaders.

Q: What is the significance of their retirement for the JLP?

A: Their retirement marks the end of an era for the JLP, leaving a significant gap in the party’s leadership. The JLP will now look ahead to the next generation of leaders as it prepares for the upcoming general election.

Q: What is Karl Samuda’s legacy in Jamaican politics?

A: Samuda is one of Jamaica’s most seasoned politicians, with a legacy of service that spans over four decades. He has held significant positions in government and has won elections across different political platforms.

Q: What is Mike Henry’s legacy in Jamaican politics?

A: Henry is celebrated for his resilience and political longevity, having served in government and advocated for reparations. His leadership in the reparations movement has earned him respect both locally and internationally.