Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport, Olivia Grange (left) goes over some final technical details with Prime Minister Bruce Golding before the airing of the radio call-in programme 'Jamaica House Live' on Wednesday. The programme is a first for Jamaica House and will be aired on the last Wednesday of each month. - JIS

Reminiscent of his years as a radio talk show host, Prime Minister Bruce Golding took more than 17 calls during his first of a monthly call-in programme - 'Jamaica House Live' - on Wednesday night.

Greeted by callers who referred to him as 'Mr Bruce', 'Mr Golding' and 'Mr Prime Minister' they highlighted issues that affected them in their hometowns in various parts of the country.

A few expected issues were presented to the prime minister.

One caller wanted to hear the prime minister's view on the recent joint military-police raid in Tivoli Gardens in which five men were shot and killed in an alleged shoot-out earlier this month.

Golding said he hoped to have an enquiry as early as possible to examine and investigate the incident that occurred within his West Kingston constituency.

Another topical issue, the pending increase of the toll fee for the Portmore leg of Highway 2000, was also raised.

Golding informed the caller that the toll fee had to be reviewed every six months. He also said that there would be an increase but declined to say by how much.

Other topical issues raised included the problems at the national airline, Air Jamaica, the National Housing Trust, and in the financial and agriculture sectors.

A few rural callers made Golding aware of the need for proper infrastructure, such as housing and roads, within their communities.

Close to the end of the programme, the prime minister read emails sent to him by listeners.

Utilise more inmates

One email spoke about utilising more prison inmates within the workforce. The prime minister noted that it was an idea that he planned to pursue.

"It is something we working on," said Golding.

Ann-Marie Watson of St Thomas thought that the call-in programme made her connect more with the prime minister.

"I thought some of the questions were stupid and not for the forum," said Watson.

"But throughout the show, I felt as if I got to know Mr. Golding some more," she added.

The prime minister will host his one-hour radio call-in programme, which is part of the Government's thrust to open lines of communication and to receive suggestions, comments and general feedback from Jamaicans, both home and abroad, on the last Wednesday in each month.

The programme is carried live between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on several radio stations, including Power 106 FM.