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JLP hierarchy stands together after talks

Published:Monday | January 16, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Andrew Holness (centre), leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, addresses the media during a press conference at the party's Belmont Road headquarters, St Andrew, yesterday. With him are party Chairman Mike Henry (left) and General Secretary Aundré Franklin. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

The hierarchy of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) sought to present a united front as they emerged from a marathon meeting at the party's Belmont Road, New Kingston, headquarters yesterday.

The meeting, which was also attended by all but five of the party's candidates in the December 29 general election, was called to examine some of the issues that led to the JLP's crushing defeat to the People's National Party.

JLP Leader Andrew Holness admitted that issues such as style of governance, coordination, enumeration and election-day readiness were raised, but he and the party's general secretary, Aundré Franklin, insisted that the criticisms were "constructive".

"We had constructive criticisms of both the party and the (JLP) government. Candidates and other party functionaries were able to put squarely on the table some of their concerns," Holness told reporters following the meeting.

Meeting productive

Franklin conceded that the meeting was "very critical", but described it as "very useful and productive" and said it provided proactive positions to guide the JLP going forward.

"For those persons who were of the view that the party was going to embark on a blame game, it didn't occur," he insisted.

The JLP general secretary added: "What happened was constructive criticisms of how things were managed and how to make things better."

The next step for the JLP, Holness said, is a strategic review to understand why the party lost the general election and create a document that would outline the way forward.

One of the benefits of taking this approach, Holness explained, was that it gives the JLP leadership "solid information" on which to act.

"It will also give us a direction that is not just our impression or anecdote, but solid data on which the leadership of the party can take decisions," he said.

Added Holness: "We have had several reasons, explanations, excuses, but what we don't want is to have them being thrown about."

Making it clear that the JLP was not a private members club, Holness promised that the document would be made public when it is completed.