PNP Leader Calls for Next General Election, Highlights Government’s Failures
Annual Conference Highlights
The People’s National Party’s (PNP) 86th annual conference took place in Kingston, with party leader Mark Golding addressing attendees and calling for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to call the next general election, which is constitutionally due by next September.
Government Defective
Golding described the current Jamaican government as defective and urged Holness to take action. “The prime minister just needs to fly the gate! Call it, Andrew, call it…. and I will sound the trumpet,” he declared.
Golding’s Address
Golding highlighted the government’s perceived lack of accountability and underperformance in several areas. “Jamaicans are tired of the impunity of those who hold political power. Public officials must be held accountable. There must be transparency and openness in the conduct of national affairs, and reasonable protection of privacy in personal life,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for a more efficient and caring public service, stating, “Every Jamaican must feel well-cared-for and enabled by their Government. We must invest and build an efficient and caring public service with shorter wait times, giving value for the taxes you pay.”
Quality of Life
Golding addressed the quality of life Jamaicans deserve, saying, “People deserve much more than what is happening now. We want garbage moved from our gates; street lights that work; sewage in pipes underground and not running in the streets; clean piped water in our homes; roads that don’t mash up our vehicles’ front-end; public health facilities that treat people with dignity and provide good and affordable health care; schools that give every child a strong basic education so they can go on to pursue whatever career they choose; and we want to feel safe in our homes and communities.”
PNP’s Vision
Golding laid out the PNP’s vision to transform Jamaica, focusing on creating a global maritime and aviation logistics hub, advancing agriculture and the blue economy for rural development, and establishing 24-hour entertainment zones. He also highlighted the need to develop clear guidelines under the Noise Abatement Act for night-time entertainment and to regularize electricity in communities with illegal connections, with the state covering most rewiring costs.
Conclusion
Golding assured supporters that the PNP would apply a mix of policy changes to “put things right” and emphasized that the party is prepared to lead with a diverse pool of talent. “We are ready to take the bold steps necessary to make Jamaicans’ lives better, and we have a plan… The time has come for change, and the People’s National Party will bring change,” the PNP leader concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
* When is the next general election due to take place?
+ The next general election is constitutionally due to take place by next September.
* What are the main issues the PNP is addressing?
+ The PNP is addressing issues such as government accountability, underperformance, and the quality of life Jamaicans deserve.
* What is the PNP’s vision for Jamaica’s future?
+ The PNP’s vision includes creating a global maritime and aviation logistics hub, advancing agriculture and the blue economy for rural development, and establishing 24-hour entertainment zones.