Sheena Gayle, Freelance Writer

Simpson Miller says the JLP is operating as if it is still in Opposition. - File

WESTERN BUREAU:

In a bid to salvage the reputation of the 70-year-old People's National Party (PNP), Portia Simpson Miller, has stressed the need for members and supporters to be united if the party wishes to return to government.

"Let us not hate and destroy this movement," the opposition leader urged her supporters during the North West St James constituency conference at the Montego Bay High School last Thursday evening.

Clad in their usual party colours, scores of Comrades flocked the school's auditorium to support their party president.

Presidency challenge

However, Simpson Miller was mindful of the recent challenge for presidency by Dr Peter Phillips and, as such, issued a stern reminder to PNP members and her faithful supporters to return to the core values of the party and not succumb to the pressures of the 'privileged' cliques in the society.

"Norman Manley did not do what seemed to be the natural thing and align with the upper class of the country but, rather, he sought to put together a multi-class party with the clear objective of elevating and educating the children of the under class," Simpson Miller argued to the approval of scores of Comrades in attendance.

In her campaign to retain the leadership of the PNP, she urged supporters to 'hold me as party leader' in order to uphold the ideals of previous party founders.

Since Phillips, senior party vice-president issued a challenge for leadership of the party, Simpson Miller has been vocal about the issue, arguing that 'the PNP has a reputation for internal democracy'.