Ambitious JPP aiming to upstage JLP, PNP in Sept 3 general election

WESTERN BUREAU:

Robert Rainford, general secretary of the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP), says his party, the country’s fourth political party, will be fielding candidates in 60 of the 63 constituencies in the September 3 general election and intends to form the island’s next government.

While noting that the party will not be contesting the Manchester Central, Westmoreland Western and St Andrew South West seats, Rainford indicated that the JPP will be represented in all other constituencies.

“From 2020, we were preparing to enter the election, but at the 11th hour, we had to pull out. But since then, we have been vetting candidates through a virtual application process, background checks, and executive approval,” said Rainford. “Now, we are confident in our slate of candidates.”

On strategy, Rainford, one of the high-profile members of the Gilbert Alexander Edwards-led, religious-based political party, said it is placing great emphasis on luring voters to the JPP to give them a better Jamaica. He will be contesting the St Catherine North East seat.

“We are on the ground, focusing particularly on our membership in our churches and the wider church communities,” said Rainford, claiming that the candidates have been working under the radar of the media spotlight and have been gaining positive traction.

“Connecting with communities that are traditionally disengaged is key. We are also leveraging media to reach wider audiences.”

However, Rainford admitted that the party is facing funding challenges and is relying on self-funding and volunteer support rather than external contributions.

“We are not as well-resourced as the major parties, but we believe strong organisation, discipline, and community connections will make our campaign effective,” noted Rainford.

The party’s platform, outlined in its 103-page manifesto titled ‘Building a Better Jamaica for All’, focuses on uplifting marginalised Jamaicans, rebuilding infrastructure, and adopting what Rainford describes as a “humanitarian approach to governance”.

A major pillar of their agenda is public-sector wages and living standards. According to the manifesto, the JPP will, over the first 365 days, increase the minimum wage in keeping with the promise to reach US$11 per hour over three years.

“JPP’s priority is increased wages and better living standards for all,” the document states.

There are also plans to increase physicians’ and public-sector workers’ pay grades to match those of their United States counterparts, which is aimed at stopping the brain drain of medical doctors.

The party is also promising to provide US$48,430 annually for first-year service to police officers, nurses, teachers, military personnel, correctional officers, firefighters, and paramedics.

The manifesto also notes that all essential public-sector workers “will receive their increased new pay grade within 60 days of being in office”.

Rainford said the JPP is also looking to capitalise on low voter turnout, which is primarily due to the declining appeal of the PNP and JLP to the masses.

“In 2020, only 37 per cent of eligible voters participated, with the PNP and JLP capturing 16 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively. Mobilising even a quarter of disengaged voters could deliver significant gains,” said Rainford.

With Nomination Day set for next Monday, August 18, the JPP is finalising its organisational structure and preparing candidates to fully enter communities.

“This is our first general election and we intend to make history,” said Rainford.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com