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Golden Age Home resident drives wheelchair to JLP conference
November 25, 2019
T he scorching sun seemed to have little effect on 75-year-old Leaford Fairclough who was among the tens of thousands of Labourites who gathered at the National Arena in Kingston for the Jamaica Labour Party at yesterday's conference.
The Kingston 4 resident, who lost a leg to diabetes, drove his non-motorised wheelchair from the Golden Age Home in Kingston to the arena, all of 3.5 kilometres. He said that not even the disability could prevent him from attending the conference, which has become a staple event on his calendar for decades.
"I have been attending these conferences from 1976 and I will continue to do so as long as I have breath in my body. I have to show support because this party do a lot for Jamaica. Look at the nice highway weh the man dem a build. When mi look inna di sky mi a see nice road in the hills and on the flats. Jamaica look nicer than farin," Fairclough said.
Getting through the gates of the National Stadium proved to be a difficult task even for able-bodied persons as scores of supporters flocked the main entrances to get in. Fairclough, however, did not experience any difficulties.
"I got here very early and I know that whatever it takes, I was going to do it to be here because is a important thing for we land," he said.
'Diehearted' labourites
Fairclough told The STAR that his parents were 'diehearted' labourites so it was only natural that he and his children would carry on the tradition.
"Is not just tradition alone either but the leaders look out for everybody. Edward Seaga look out for the homeless when he build the old people home a Vineyard Town (St Andrew). Is a party with substance. Me use to walk come when me have two foot and although mi have one leg now, mi still a go deh a represent. I trust the Honourable Andrew Holness," he said.
After listen to his party leader and other party delegates, Fairclough returned from whence he came. With his frail hands, he spun around his wheelchair, wove through the thick crowd and headed to the his place of abode, taking with him Holness' message that the JLP is building a better Jamaica.
