Opposition Leader Edward Seaga gets some assistance from son, Andrew (centre), and daughter, Annabelle, at yesterday's official launch of the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) web site, www.thejlp.com, at the party's headquarters, Belmont Road, Kingston. - Rudolph Brown/Staff Photographer

THE JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) officially launched its web site, www.thejlp.com, at its headquarters, Belmont Road, Kingston, yesterday.

The web site had been in existence for some years, but Opposition Leader Edward Seaga said it had previously existed only as a "shell". He said the updated version was the result of the efforts of his son, Andrew, and a team of computer experts from Barry University in Miami, where he is a student.

The web site features a bell logo which rings when visitors log on.

"We have some users who actually go to the web site every morning to ring the bell," said Andrew.

He said that visits had stepped up to 400 per day recently -- with the updating of the site - from about 50 per day in the past. He said that visitors included some from countries like Denmark, China, the United States and the United Kingdom.

It provides information on the party, its candidates, constituencies and its manifesto and pledges to the people, as well as audio/visual productions, which can be streamed, including party songs, documentaries and television advertisements.

There is also a link to the Electoral Office of Jamaica's web site, offering information on voter registration and election procedures.

Andrew Seaga said the web site had already received more than 40 e-mails from people, including many abroad, who were willing to volunteer to assist during the election campaign. There was also a provision for persons who were willing to make donations to make contact.

The web site also carries information about JLP affiliates, including G2K, Young Jamaica and the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU).

JLP chairman Senator Ryan Peralto said the development of the web site was an interesting departure from usual political procedures, as it would allow people to access the information at their own leisure.

Mr. Seaga said it was because he regarded the web site as a critical aspect of the party's communications system, that he decided to have it upgraded and updated in time for the elections.

"We were the first on board with a manifesto, now we are the first on board with a proper web site," he said.