It was an energetic day inside the National Arena as leaders of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) met with delegates during the first day of its 63rd annual conference.

Party leaders sought to reinvigorate hundreds of supporters, predicting victory for its new slate of candidates in the next general election which is constitutionally due in 2007. Leaders said the JLP would reclaim a number of seats from the ruling People's National Party (PNP), including the now-controversial seat in South East St. Ann where the incumbent representative, Minister of Tourism, Aloun, Assamba, is to be replaced by her party.

Corruption and injustice

But the real charge for Labourites came when party president Bruce Golding took the platform. He joined other speakers in deriding the policies of the PNP, and promised that a government under his leadership would stem corruption and injustice.

He urged delegates to remain on their guard, although an election might not be called this year.

"Because of all the turmoil and disarray, it now appears that the election might not be in December ... but we must remain ready and prepare ourselves for as long as it will be," he charged supporters.

Mr. Golding unveils details of the party's manifesto during today's session of the conference.