PRESIDENT of the People's National Party (PNP), Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, said this evening's rally, which replaces the public session of the party's annual conference, will go ahead as scheduled, whether or not it rains.

"The time is nigh, rain or shine, Half-Way Tree tomorrow," he told hundreds of delegates and party supporters at the private session of the party's 64th annual conference inside the Alfred Sangster auditorium at the University of Technology (UTech) yesterday.

The island has been affected by heavy rainfall since Wednesday of last week, and the Meteorological office has predicted more showers for today.

But, one delegate told The Sunday Gleaner that "nothing short of a Hurricane Gilbert" would prevent the mass meeting from taking place. He was referring to the hurricane of September 12, 1988, which caused widespread destruction across the island, and which has been described as the most devastating in the last century.

Mr. Patterson, in an upbeat mood, also promised a sound beating for the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in the upcoming election, "whether it be (Edward) Seaga or (Bruce) Golding". He was referring to the ongoing debate over whether Mr. Golding, a former Chairman of the JLP, was on his way back to the party.

The latest debate about Mr. Golding's return was triggered by Mr. Seaga, JLP Leader, when he told the Gleaner Editors' Forum that he would not hesitate to appoint Mr. Golding an independent senator in the event the JLP wins the election.

Yesterday Mr. Patterson told delegates that the PNP was campaigning on its record of performance and pointed to its achievements in housing, water and education.

The heavy rains affecting the island did not stop hundreds of orange-clad delegates from travelling across the island to attend yesterday's session.

The meeting which is traditionally held at the National Arena was shifted to the auditorium at UTech as the Arena was closed last month for refurbishing work ahead of next year's World Netball Championships.

Even as the rains poured, so did the delegates and in no time the campus facility was packed to capacity and overflowing. Deafening applause met the party president on his arrival just after 3:00 p.m.

The delegates, and candidates, upbeat and dancing to the rhythm of the blaring music, trumpeted in unison - "Four Terms" suggesting that the PNP will win a fourth consecutive term in office. The ruling party has been in office since a landslide victory in 1989.

Delegates, with hands across their chests, showing four fingers begged to hear 'the date'. Buoyed by the large turnout yesterday despite the showers, the Prime Minister said he could "bus it" (announce the date) but asked his supporters to be patient. He told his 'horses' (candidates) who have been on their marks for some time to "get set", but stopped just short of announcing the date.