JLP to launch manifesto at mass rally on Sunday

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has announced its manifesto is to be launched at a mass rally in Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St James, on Sunday.

Chairman of the JLP's manifesto and achievements committee, Kamina Johnson Smith, told a press conference Thursday afternoon that the party will be sharing its "I Choose Jamaica: The Next Chapter" manifesto in a "new, creative way".

Persons have been calling for the release of a manifesto by the ruling party, which has already released an achievements booklet, touting its performance over the last five years.

The People's National Party released its manifesto, 'Mission Jamaica Love, A People’s Pledge to Country', on August 12 at a function at the Jamaica Pegasus in New Kingston.

Johnson Smith said the JLP's manifesto launch would be unique in that "no manifesto has ever been launched outside of Kingston nor has one ever been launched at a mass rally".

“We think that it’s a sign of respect and regard for Jamaica outside of Kingston as well as, of course, the citizens of St James who have wide representation within the Jamaica Labour Party at this time. They have been a part of the support of our landslide victory in 2020 and we hope that they will remain engaged with us as we proceed into this next stage of decision-making,” said Johnson Smith.

Johnson Smith took a jab at the PNP's manifesto launch, suggesting that it was not inclusive.

“We wanted to make sure that in the same innovative way that we launched our achievements, bringing it to the people, not a closed door room with men in grey [and] limited hotel access but one widely engaged with the people who might not normally engage with the political process and beyond,” said Johnson Smith.

The JLP last week criticised the PNP’s manifesto, calling it “a very rushed and hurriedly prepared document”.

She said Jamaicans would also get a preview of some of the contents of the manifesto during the election debate on social issues on Saturday night.

In the meantime, the JLP today launched a 'ministry highlights' booklet as well as its updated website.

Chairman of the JLP’s campaign committee Dr Christopher Tufton said Sunday's rally is to focus on the party’s candidates in the west and is a “pivot” to the next phase of the party’s campaign.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.