Party’s central executive confirms candidates for Local Government polls

The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) held its central executive meeting at its Belmont Road headquarters in New Kingston on Sunday (January 14), confirming a number of local election candidates.

The meeting received reports from the JLP executive including chairman Robert Montague, general secretary Dr Horace Chang, deputy chairman Dr. Aundre Franklyn, area council one chairman Desmond McKenzie, and party treasurer Aubyn Hill.

All members of the executive gave reports on the readiness of the political machinery and its preparedness for an election whenever it is called.

Based on the reports received, JLP leader and prime minister, Andrew Holness, announced that the its political machinery was ready for local government elections.

The party leader also outlined to the central executive some important perspectives on some of the important issues on the national agenda.

Portmore

He made it clear that making Portmore a parish was never intended as an election gimmick or a strategy to win the Sunshine City. He noted that the country is evolving economically, culturally, and socially. This evolution requires the government to make strategic changes to enhance the development of areas like Portmore, which requires changes in definition and management to further its development.

The party leader was adamant that his government would never seek to use the people of Portmore for narrow political objectives.

Roads

In the area of roads, Holness noted that roads have become a political flashpoint where some persons feel that in order to get their roads repaired, they must protest. He advised that roads continue to be a critical priority for the government. The central executive was told that the new SPARK programme will provide a collaborative approach between the government, MPs, councillors, and community members. He instructed them to work collaboratively and help ensure that the government’s focus on road infrastructure is successful.

He revealed that at the next sitting of Parliament, the government will outline a consultative process for communities to contribute to the decision-making on which roads should be repaired in their communities but emphasized that priority ought to be given to those roads considered to be pain points in communities.

The JLP leader said he was confident in the prospects of the party for the upcoming elections, as the internal polling numbers showed the JLP maintaining a strong lead in a majority of municipal corporations (parish council) seats.

Holness challenged political leaders, councillors, and councillor caretakers to ensure that they focus on their communities to highlight the strong achievements that have been made over the last six years under the Jamaica Labour Party.

As no other government has done as much for local government than his administration, Holness mused further that only a Jamaica Labour Party-led government has the vision and the expertise to continue the positive evolution of local government in Jamaica.

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