JLP leader Bruce Golding speaking at the JLP Area Council One meeting at the Police Officers' Club, yesterday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
LEADERS OF the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) yesterday urged their members to ensure their readiness whenever a general election is called.
Meeting at the Police Officers' Club, Hope Road, St. Andrew, on the occasion of its Area One Council elections, JLP leaders warned Labourites against complacency while also reading a charge sheet against the People's National Party (PNP).
They also took pains to stress that members needed to ensure they were aware of the Electoral Office of Jamaica's (EOJ) voter verification process, which they said, has still not accounted for over 300,000 voters.
Party Leader Bruce Golding said the full list of verified and unverified voters would only be available from the EOJ by the end of March and not the earlier January deadline.
"This party must be put in election-ready shape," said Mr. Golding. "They must be the last elections that result in the Labour party in the Opposition."
He pointed to what he called 'trauma and tension' of the PNP presidential race which he reasoned pointed to the possibility or likelihood of the calling early election in order to unite that party around the successful candidate.
PERFORMANCES UNDER MICROSCOPE
Mr. Golding and other party leaders took pains to stress that within the JLP, some parliamentarians and councillors themselves had already had their performance called into question and could face de-selection under the party constitution.
The party needed, warned Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie, to put the PNP, whom he referred to as 'vampires', under pressure. "It is our performance that has made the Minister of Local Government (Portia Simpson Miller) look good. Outside our performance she is a non-performer."
Particular scorn was poured on the PNP presidential candidates over their visions for the future. "How can you be Minister of National Security for so long and only when you want to become leader of the party or the Prime Minister, you have unfolded magical plans," questioned Mr. McKenzie of Dr. Peter Phillips.
Successive speakers attacked the PNP over the recent murder of a JLP supporter in Golden Springs, St. Andrew, allegedly committed by supporters of Dr. Phillips returning from his campaign launch at the National Arena on Sunday, January 15. Referring to those he thought responsible, Mr. McKenzie called for the PNP "to hand over that terrorist".
Mr. Golding urged supporters to attend Mr. Hussey's 'nine night' and funeral next weekend. A collection hat was passed around the room and a cheque from the Area One Council for $25,000 made out to the Hussey family, all towards funeral expenses. A standing committee would meet today to discuss a further contribution, said Mr. Golding.
Results - Election of Officers
Returned chairman: Desmond McKenzie.
Elected deputy chairman: Councillor Audley Gordon. (Junior Maxwell stepped down).
Returned secretary: Councillor Tosha Swapp.
Returned assistant secretary: Susan Senior.
Returned treasurer: Councillor Vernon McLeod.
Central Executive Representatives
Councillor Delroy Williams, Allvin Francis, Vernon McLeod.
