A snazzily dressed Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

With THE word Jamaica emblazoned across her shirt, Marlene Malahoo Forte stood like a proud graduate who had been rewarded for continuous hard and good work.

Jamaica's newest senator was on stage during a Jamaica Labour Party conference for the first time. But unlike others on the platform, her clothes were devoid of party symbols.

"I am part of team Jamaica. I am prepared to work wherever I can add value to this country," Malahoo Forte told The Gleaner.

Change in status

Prime Minister Bruce Golding had asked Governor General Sir Patrick Allen to appoint Malahoo Forte a junior minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The appointment took place in July. At the time, she was not a member of the party. Not only has her status changed, but party Deputy Treasurer Daryl Vaz said she had begun to show political acumen.

"There have been persons who have been appointed to the Senate who have kept their distance from the political hustings, but she has shown a keen interest in politics and I believe she has a bright future," Vaz said.

Whispers in political circles have suggested that Malahoo Forte may enter representational politics and contest a Westmoreland seat. Yesterday, she said she was taking things in stride.

"I am committed to serving the people of Jamaica and I am a true public servant at heart. It is early days. I am prepared to do whatever I can and make my contribution to making Jamaica a better place," she said.

Additional conviction

Yesterday, the former resident magistrate said the conference had given her additional conviction that Jamaicans could be brought together.

"There was order in the arena, and it tells me that people can be rallied to a cause and right now there are many causes, but more importantly, everybody has to take responsibility for the work that needs to be done in Jamaica," Malahoo Forte said.

The intensity of the event also struck a chord with her.

"The mood was electrifying and the prime minister's sombre mood reflected what is happening in the country at this time.

"It is really a call for the people to understand that these are very hard times and that it requires everyone to be on-board in dealing with the issues that Jamaica is facing. It is going to be a difficult task but we have the talent to do the work that needs to be done and we don't have a choice but to do it," Malahoo Forte said.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com