‘I won’t disappoint you’ - Charles Jr’s promise to his father as he takes oath of office
Published:Friday | March 13, 2020 | 12:35 AMRomario Scott/Gleaner Writer
A second Charles entered the House of Representatives yesterday, marking a historic moment in its existence.
Pearnel Charles Sr was given the honour of swearing in his son, who bears his name and now represents Clarendon South East, the seat vacated by Rudyard Spencer.
“Charles, the younger, is someone who has honed his skills at the Bar. He has served as clerk of the court. He has really honed his skills as a very able and competent debater,” Karl Samuda, leader of government business in the House of Representatives, said.
“We will soon have an opportunity to assess whether or not he has learned his lessons and learned them well.”
St Mary Central Member of Parliament Morais Guy also welcomed Charles Jr to the House on behalf of the Opposition.
In the meantime, Speaker of the House of Representatives Pearnel Charles Sr was not shy in expressing how he felt about the occasion. He also had words of encouragement for his son.
“I wish to express how joyful, how happy I am. I wish to express to the younger Pearnel Charles … we expect that he is going to work [with] dignity, integrity, hard work on behalf of all the people of Jamaica, all the people,” he said, before allowing his son to rise for the first time as a member of parliament.
Charles Jr thanked a number of his supporters and family and pledged to work hard as a parliamentarian.
“I will give my 100 per cent hard work and effort to continuing the honour this House provides. ... I will not disappoint you,” Charles Jr said.
Charles Jr won the by-election in Clarendon South East by amassing 6,846 votes.
A former senator and Cabinet minister, Charles Jr ran against independent candidate Dereck Lambert.
Lambert could only manage 741 votes.
The People’s National Party did not participate in the by-election held on March 2.