A Member of Parliament is your elected representative in Gordon House, responsible for making laws, debating national issues, and ensuring our community’s concerns are heard at the highest level. Think of them as both a local advocate and a national decision-maker. For example, it’s our MP who should fight for school funding in Parliament, push for better disaster relief policies, or hold ministries accountable when promises stall.

When election season comes around, promises about road repairs dominate the conversation. But while infrastructure matters, Members of Parliament (MPs) have a far wider mandate. Here are 10 areas to measure them on before giving your vote or support.

1. How They Represent Us in Parliament

MPs are there to be our voice in debates and votes. Check if they show up for sittings, speak on issues that matter to our communities, and challenge policies that could harm their constituents.

2. Use of Constituency Development Funds (CDF)

Beyond promises, how do they actually spend the public money allocated to the constituency? Is it transparent, and are the projects sustainable, or just quick wins before an election?

3. Social Services Advocacy

From education to healthcare, MPs should push for better access to services in their constituency. Have they lobbied for clinics, schools, or more teachers and nurses?

4. Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

Hurricanes, flooding, droughts - is your MP leading or lagging in disaster readiness plans and post-disaster relief?

5. Youth Engagement

Look at whether they create or support programmes that give young people skills, mentorship, and opportunities. Empty pep talks don’t count.

6. Employment Initiatives

Road work may hire a few for a few weeks, but does your MP help create lasting opportunities through small business support, training, or investment attraction?

7. Crime and Community Safety Efforts

While policing is a national function, MPs can work with law enforcement, neighbourhood watch groups, and NGOs to address local safety concerns.

8. Environmental Stewardship

From solid waste management to preserving rivers and coastal areas, has your MP taken action to protect the environment -  or are they silent while it’s degraded?

9. Accessibility and Responsiveness

Can constituents actually reach their MP? Do they respond to calls, attend community meetings, and follow up on issues raised?

10. Long-Term Vision

Do they have a plan for your constituency beyond the five-year election cycle? Sustainable development needs more than patchwork fixes.