Nigel Clarke to resign from Parliament at midnight tonight

 

Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke has announced that he will be resigning as Member of Parliament for St Andrew North Western at midnight, tonight, effectively ending his stint as the country's finance minister as well.

 

He made the announcement in a farewell address at the Area One Council Meeting of the Jamaica Labour Party in his constituency Monday night.

 

"As I leave the playfield, effective midnight, tomorrow night, I want you to know that it has been the privilege of my life to serve you as Member of Parliament. It has been the privilege of my life to respond to your fears, to respond to your needs and to incorporate your ideas," he told his constituents, adding that they represent "what is great about Jamaica."

 

Dr Clarke is set to assume the post of Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund on Thursday.

 

There has been no announcemennt yet regarding who will succeed him as Minister of Finance & The Public Service, but the governing Jamaica Labour Party has already selected Councillor Duane Smith to be its candidate to replace him as MP for St. Andrew North West in a by-election, which is expected to be held soon.

 

Duane Smith's father, Derrick Smith, served as MP for the constituency for several decades before he resigned in 2008, clearing the way for Dr Clarke to secure his seat in Parliament through a by-election as well.