Chang hails party workers as ‘backbone’ of JLP
Published:Tuesday | August 5, 2025 | 12:09 AM
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) General Secretary Dr Horace Chang on Sunday described the more than 1,000 party workers who showed up for a ‘workers’ appreciation ceremony’ at the Cambridge High School, in St James Southern, as the backbone of the party.
“You are the backbone and strength of the Labour Party. You are the Labour Party, and it’s you who gave us the Labour Party Government,” said Chang, who is also a deputy leader of the JLP and member of parliament for St James North West.
In heaping praise on the party workers, who packed the school’s auditorium for the event staged by Homer Davis, the member of parliament for St James Southern, Chang told them to begin early mobilisation and to involve their children and grandchildren in the political work ahead.
“It is you who protect democracy, not the ones in the newspaper and the bright boys, who are too bright for themselves,” said Chang, reminding the workers that they are the ones who “worked through sunshine, rainfall, and tough times”, often ferrying voters to polling stations and standing firm even in the face of electoral defeat.
“We show respect for you, because that is what comes in democracy,” continued Chang. “Start the work and ensure that when this party leader and prime minister rings the bell, you will be ready to roll out.”
In outlining a detailed plan of voter engagement, Chang emphasised the need for the party workers to quickly identify potential Labourites, with a view to encourage them to go the polls when the time comes.
“Find everybody who, when they vote, would like to vote for the Labour Party and engage them now… write them down (their names and numbers) in your little book...,” urged Chang. “If you don’t even write so good, you know them, get your daughter who goes to school to help you write them down.”
In encouraging generational political education, Chang urged the party workers to take their young relatives on the campaign trail with them, so that they can learn about the political process.
“Some of you have grandchildren, they are on holiday, so let them come and understand how this Government operates and provides opportunities for young people more than any other government,” said Chang. “If you do it that way, we will win. And I want you to ensure that Homer Davis will accompany me back to Gordon House as your member of parliament.”