Lyndel Frater Biography

The hallmark of Lyndel Frater’s life has been helping those in need. Even as a youngster he would share whatever he had with those around him. His commitment to his country and his party were formulated even before he could vote. His parents helped by instilling the value of service in him at an early age.

Born in Ulster Spring, Trelawny, Lyndel attended the Methodist Basic School and the Ulster Spring Primary School, where he was successful in the Common Entrance Examination. He became a student at Cornwall College after which his love for farming led him to the Jamaica School of Agriculture (JSA), which he attended on a scholarship from the Long Pond sugar estate.

Upon graduating from JSA “Stretch” as he is affectionately called, worked for the Ministry of Agriculture as an extension officer, but his love for the land coupled with a fierce, independent spirit that is so common among the people of South Trelawny, caused him to become a farmer. His entrepreneurial spirit is evidenced by the fact that he started a supplemental farm store business in Albert Town.

At age 17, the son of the soil became an organizer for the Peoples National Party in his beloved South Trelawny. His organizational skills and leadership ability assisted the party in winning the Ulster Spring Division which was one of the few seats that was won in Western Jamaica in the 1980 Parish Council elections. He has held almost every position in the constituency, including scrutineer, Constituency Secretary, organizer, division chair, constituency chair, and he was also a vice-chair for Region One.

In the mid- eighties, Comrade Michael Manley then Prime Minister of Jamaica, became a mentor to young Frater and called him his son. He tapped him to represent South Trelawny as its Member of Parliament. “Stretch" made history as he defeated the incumbent, the powerful Brasco Lee, in 1989 and became one of the youngest members of parliament. He left representational politics undefeated, after one term in office, but he did not leave politics. His passion for service would not allow it.

He is a member of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, the Jamaica Egg Farmers’ Association, The Jamaica Sheep Farmers Association, Ulster Spring Citizen Association, Chairman, South Trelawny Executive, PNP, and a the National Executive Council, PNP.

Lyndel is a true son of the soil who continues his work as an egg and produce farmer in the constituency he seeks to represent once again. He believes that because he lives and works among the people of South Trelawny, he can guide them toward the available social, educational and economic resources in order that they may achieve their true potential.

He is the father of five children, Shanda, Lindel (Olympian), Ricardo, Michael, OD, (Olympian, and world record holder), and Mario.