Veteran PNP councillor bids farewell to representational politics

Audrey Smith Facey was known as the strongest of the three councillors Portia Simpson Miller had in her political arsenal in St Andrew South Western for nearly two decades, and she was widely expected to replace the member of parliament (MP) when she stepped down in 2017.

Smith Facey has been councillor for the Payne Land division in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation for 23 years, but Angela Brown Burke was chosen as Simpson Miller’s replacement instead of her.

Brown Burke won the 2017 by-election and became the MP for St Andrew South Western, and was re-elected in the 2020 general election.

The shock of Smith Facey’s rejection did not wear off, and political watchers began fishing for the real story.

Smith Facey said she could tell many stories, but last week, when she spoke with The Gleaner, she said she was not leaving the People’s National Party (PNP), which she has known since she was a kindergartener and which she has served for nearly half a century.

She refused all attempts to spill the contents of her mind that finally made the decision to end her political career. Instead, she laughed through the interview.

But her voice betrayed political fatigue – having much to say, but knowing when to walk away.

“People can’t believe that I am finally done with politics, because I have been saying so for years. Even my own children, and my taxi driver. But I am finally done. I have advised the party leader, Comrade Mark Golding, of my decision, and he has written to say thanks for my service,” Smith Facey shared.

“And for all those who want to know, I am not leaving the party. But I am now choosing family and the rest of my days with massa God. There are lots of things that brought me to the decision, but the long and short of it is that I have chosen family. Enough is enough.”

It was clear that all was not well, but still she wouldn’t budge. However, she dismissed rumours of a promised, unchallenged vice-presidential position which did not materialise, telling The Gleaner that was never on the cards.

She also declined to comment on her relationship with Brown Burke.

“I am focused on providing the representation that I have given this division since I was first elected in 1998. I have been a member of the PNP since I was 14 years old, and I have been working from as far as I can remember,” Smith Facey said, adding that her contributions to the housing stock, educational activities and recreational life of persons in the Payne Land community have given her the greatest joy.

‘PAINS MY HEART’

Payne Land is one of hundreds of inner-city communities in the country that have regressed socially and economically over decades. It has suffered greatly from high levels of crime and violence, low skills, and diminishing returns from investments in education.

“I have spent a lot of time on the housing stock, building from scratch or refurbishing houses, especially for senior citizens in the divisions. We got the community centre from where I operate, but, unfortunately, the trade training centre remains closed. Mrs Simpson Miller left it closed and it is still closed. Some of the equipment became obsolete and others were lost through vandalism,” she said, noting that a telecommunications company’s as well as the Government’s money was spent on refurbishment.

“It has never been opened, and it pains my heart just seeing it there; and this is from Portia was prime minister. The light and power company had issues putting the account in my name because of a previous bad experience. I had to do without light until that was sorted out, so that I know was an issue.”

The outgoing councillor explained that the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) sought permission to use the building for policing and crime control, but she said that did not materialise.

NO SADNESS

“I am not leaving with sadness. Actually, I have more joy than sadness, because of the number of lives I have touched. The love ... especially from senior citizens, persons who have been helped and to see the positive impact on their lives and that of their families,” Smith Facey said.

“But this isn’t what I signed up for. The personality issues, the backbiting, and infighting. The PNP is no longer a place where all views contend. And when it was launched, it was a home for all those who shared the ideals of the party and of building Jamaica. It used to be the party where you can support who you want to support at whichever level, and when it was over, you go back to being PNP. But that is not so now,” she explained, refusing to say more.

Her remaining months in the division will be used to finish work already in progress and oversee a ‘smooth transition’ of aspirant(s) to replace her.

“No puppet of anyone will replace me. Payne Land division deserves someone who genuinely cares for the people and not for camera moments,” Smith Facey stated.

erica.virtue@gleanerjm.com