News

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

In a bid to crank up grass-roots support ahead of a general election constitutionally due in 2012, a senior functionary of the People's National Party (PNP) rallied the faithful in Eastern Portland to get their names on the voting register before the month-end enumeration deadline.

Speaking at the annual constituency conference at Port Antonio High School on Sunday, Julian Robinson, the PNP's deputy general secretary, told supporters that victories in Region Two seats - covering the eastern Jamaica parishes of Portland, St Mary and St Thomas, were critical to returning the party to power.

Though the national poll is not due anytime now, Robinson's charge was a reminder of the unpredictability of the Westminister system in which a prime minister can call an election long before a five-year parliamentary term expires.

He told supporters that the most recent update of the voters' list, which will be published in November, will be valid until May 2011. Enumeration for that list will be wrapped up at the end of this month.

"The more persons we have on the voters' list, the better our chances of winning," he said. "This government is battling for dear life and, although persons are clamouring for the return of the PNP, it can only happen if you, the Comrades, have a legitimate vote."

Trust deficit

His criticism of the Golding administration, which assumed power in 2007, was a refrain of the stump speeches given by PNP politicians in recent weeks - gnawing at issues of trust that have dogged the ruling Jamaica Labour Party for months.

"The entire country is dissatisfied with the Government, which had earlier promised so much regarding transparency and accountability," the deputy general secretary said.

Robinson continued: "They have treated civil servants and public servants with scant regard. Nurses, teachers and the police have been disrespected. Any person, when asked whether or not life, three years ago, was better than now will answer with a resounding yes."

Those comments were a broadside directed at the Government's failure to pay over billions of dollars in salaries owed to civil servants.

The Government has repeatedly said it will not renege on its promise to pay, but has cited the recessionary economy, and austerity measures linked to International Monetary Fund loans, as tying its hands.

Four candidates presented at Sunday's constituency conference are vying to become caretaker/member of Parliament for Eastern Portland. The current MP, Dr Donald Rhodd (Opposition), will not be seeking re-election.

The four are Councillor Wayne McKenzie, medical doctor Linvale Bloomfield, former government senator Norman Grant and educator Dennis Minnott.

The date of the internal poll is yet to be announced by the PNP hierarchy.