Dwayne Vaz marks first year as Central Westmoreland MP

One year ago today, Dwayne Vaz was elected to the House of Representatives in a by-election in Central Westmoreland.

"It has been a good experience and it has been hectic," the MP told The Gleaner at Gordon House today.

Vaz has filled the seat left vacant by the death of Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries,  Roger Clarke.

He defeated Faye Jacobs, who represented the Jamaica Labour Party and independent candidate, Astor Black.

"We have a long way to go but we (are) on our way," Vaz said about his constituency.

He said his one year as MP has been a "demanding experience" but working with Clarke had properly prepared him.

"Answering my phone is actually a full time job," Vaz said while adding that many members of his constituency are unaware of the role of the MP and would make all kinds of requests not understanding the way the bureaucracy works and what an MP can do.