Golding takes credit for giving JLP advantage

by Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

Former Jamaica Labour Party Leader (JLP) Bruce Golding has painted himself as a master strategist whose decision to resign as prime minister and leader of the party has put it in pole position to be re-elected in the next general election.

Likening himself to a footballer, Golding said he set up the play for top striker Andrew Holness to score the winning goal.

"What a difference that play has made on the political landscape over the past two months," said Golding, who in September announced that he was resigning as prime minister and would not seek re-election as party leader.

Holness has since been appointed prime minister. He was also elected unopposed yesterday as the JLP leader.

"The People's National Party called on me to pack my bags and go. They have got it. They also called on me to call the elections now. They soon get it, and I hope when they get it, they will be ready for it," Golding said.

The former prime minister arrived at the National Arena for the JLP's 68th annual conference to a massive reception from the jam-packed house.

The arrival of Golding with his wife, Lorna, at his side, as well as son Steven and daughter-in-law Emprezz in tow, sent Labourites into a frenzy.

Shouts of 'Bruce!' echoed throughout the venue as the former prime minister and party leader greeted supporters with two fingers extended to form the symbol of the JLP.

Golding told the conference that his administration did much to advance the cause of the country. He said there was more to be done and asked Labourites to ensure the JLP is returned to power after the election.

Golding's presentation was interrupted by the arrival of Holness, whose presence had Labourites going wild.

"The bigger boss has arrived," Golding said.

"I have every confidence in the ability of Andrew Holness to provide the leadership that the country requires at this time. Andrew cannot do it alone ... Andrew needs our support," the former prime minister added.

In a 30 minute-long presentation, Golding told JLP polling-division workers and campaign operatives that the time has come for them to take leave of absence from their jobs.

To the 63 standard-bearers who will face the electorate in the general election, Golding said they should be praying for "longer days and shorter nights" because "there is plenty more work to do".

"The good of the country requires that the Jamaica Labour Party continues to form the government after the next election, and you, party workers, you know how to do it ... . You did it for me in 2007, and everyone of you must go out now and work harder than ever to do it under Andrew's leadership."

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com