Brace for ‘Dean’
With the possibility that Hurricane Dean could be in Jamaica’s territorial waters by Sunday, the Meteorological Service has advised fishers and other marine operators that weather conditions are expected to steadily deteriorate during the next 48 to 72 hours.

Preaching politics
While many people believe that religion should be kept separate from politics, reference to religion on the campaign trail suggests that the country’s political leaders are of a different view.

All 146 candidates legitimate - Walker
Director of Elections and member of the Electoral Commission, Danville Walker, has advised that all 146 candidates for the August 27 general election have been properly nominated.

Political meetings banned in troubled constituencies
The candidates of the two major political parties have supported the decision of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) to ban the staging of political meetings and motorcades in the troubled West St. Thomas and South East St. Elizabeth constituencies.

Organisation of American States (OAS) observers for election day
Election day proceedings have been given a boost with the addition of a group of independent observers from the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) surges - People’s National Party (PNP) stands still
The Bruce Golding-led Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has, statistically, drawn level with the People’s National Party (PNP) as the gruelling electoral race enters the last lap which ends, less than two weeks away, on August 27.

Opposition better at gaining new support
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has gained more support from the electorate during the current campaign period than the People’s National Party (PNP), according to the findings of the latest Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll.

Troubled constituencies to know fate tomorrow
Come tomorrow, the constituencies of South East St. Elizabeth and West St. Thomas will know if they will be able to exercise their vote on August 27.

Parents pay fees despite Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) promise
Despite previous concerns that parents would refuse to pay school fees as a result of the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) announcement that it would implement free tuition if it becomes the next government, schools are reporting that most parents have been paying up the required fees for their children.

Farming, fishing, tourism: Tufton’s vision
Should he get the nod to be the Member of Parliament for North West St. Elizabeth on the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) ticket, Dr. Christopher Tufton plans to unleash an ambitious development agenda on his constituents.

AD WATCH - People’s National Party (PNP) complains about ‘nasty’ ads
Speaking on The Breakfast Club (NewsTalk 94) Tuesday, People’s National Party (PNP) General Secretary Donald Buchanan complained about the “nastiness” in some of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) ads in the election campaign to date.

PNP attacks on Bruce
While arguing against negative advertising, the PNP continues to attack the character and trustworthiness of JLP leader, Bruce Golding, as part of a clear strategy to dilute the mood for change which various polls indicate.

JLP dominance of billboards
One form of advertising in which the JLP dominates is the use of electronic and static billboards strategically placed to attract the attention of passers-by, whether motorists or pedestrians.

Mitchell and PM rally crowd in NE St Catherine
Her colleagues have begun calling her ‘tek eh back’ and, if crowd support in her North East St. Catherine constituency is anything to go by, then Phyllis Mitchell should very well be on her way back to Parliament.

Praying for a peaceful election
The Ministers Fraternal in Spanish Town worshipped with several candidates for the upcoming General Election at their service for ‘Peace, Unity and Protection for St. Catherine and Jamaica’ at the Phillippo Baptist Church yesterday.

EOJ, Ombudsman move to quash election violence
In an effort to end the existing political tension in two constituencies, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) and Political Ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair, have called a meeting for today with four candidates.

‘People’s National Party (PNP) Disability Act deadline unrealistic’
Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, Ransford Wright, has described as unrealistic, promises made by the People’s National Party (PNP) to pass the National Disability Act by December.

Breaking loose - Garrison youths seek to break free of political ties
His face was a study in contrasts. One moment he was a typical teenager, smiling and speaking in hushed tones with the young ladies seated on either side. A minute later his eyes were flashing with anger and resentment. Voice raised, he gestured, first in defiance, then in frustration.

Political debates and the Fourth Estate: another perspective
One position most people seem to agree on regarding the recently concluded series of political debates, is that they were entertaining although to varying degrees.

Women should rise above negative political criticisms’
Women in politics should not allow themselves to be distracted by negative criticisms, St. Lucian Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Tessa Mangal says.

Parchment praises Portia as a woman of strength
Former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament Verna Parchment has again endorsed Portia Simpson Miller for the job of Prime Minister.

Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) welcomes plan for tax break by PNP
President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Wayne Cummings, has welcomed the People’s National Party’s (PNP) manifesto pledge to offer a tax break to small hoteliers.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) backs Brazil pacts but still wary - Welcomes direct flights but cautious about opening new embassy
The Opposition is welcoming an agreement signed between the Jamaican Government and Brazil for the introduction of direct flights between the two countries, but is expressing caution about plans to open an embassy in the South American nation.

PNP’s compulsory attendance plan unrealistic - Jamaica Teachers’ Association president
Outgoing president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, Hopeton Henry, yesterday described as unrealistic, a promise by the People’s National Party to mandate compulsory attendance and enrolment in schools as of 2010, if it wins the August 27 general election.

Golding a ‘profiler’, says Simpson Miller
Just days after the clash in the national debate between Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Jamaica Labour Party leader, Bruce Golding, Mrs. Simpson Miller has labelled Mr. Golding as a “profiler”.

Opposition Leader expects resounding win - Knocks PNP on promises
Contrary to the predictions of local pollsters and political pundits, Opposition Leader Bruce Golding says the upcoming general election will not be close. In fact, he is promising a resounding victory for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) on August 27.

Transforming the force - New look, new style, greater accountability needed to tackle crime and violence
Manifestos: Today we return to the matter of crime in Jamaica. Given the severity of the problem we, like all concerned Jamaicans, are eager to find solutions that actually work and we are unwilling to accept the defeatist notion that murders and shootings are here to stay as an unmovable part of the landscape.

CRITIQUING THE DEBATE - Portia, Bruce: A Mismatch
The third and final debate between the Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition was similarly a mismatch as the first between Drs. Phillips and Baugh.

‘Ban children from political motorcades’
With sporadic acts of violence taking place on the campaign trail leading up to the August 27 general election, Betty-Ann Blaine, convenor of the advocacy group, Hear the Children’s Cry, is calling for a ban to be placed on children taking part in political rallies and motorcades.

They really pursued the issues
The debates are now over and the two big guns have had their night at the podium. Let me, like many others, declare that Bruce Golding made a full sweep of the debate in all areas. Out of 10, I give him an eight and his opponent, Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller, a six out of 10.

People’s National Party (PNP) supporter stabbed to death
A People’s National Party (PNP) supporter was stabbed to death in Clarke’s Town, Trelawny, early Saturday morning and a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) activist arrested and charged with murder following a heated argument over politics.

Elderly travelled five miles for Sally
The music that blared from the sound systems was almost deafening. The streets were covered with supporters clad in yellow and orange colours but among the masses they stood.

Anti-crime policies get prime time
Analysts attached to the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI) have agreed with the People’s National Party’s (PNP) identification of organised crime as the root of the country’s rising murder rate in its recently launched manifesto.

‘Government learning along the way’
Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson has sought to explain why her party has not achieved 100 per cent literacy by this year, as outlined in its 2002 manifesto.

People’s National Party (PNP) pledges tax breaks for small hoteliers
The People’s National Party (PNP) is promising special tax incentives for small players in the tourist industry if it forms the next administration.

CRITIQUING THE DEBATE - Bruce won even when measured against expectations
In measuring who won the leadership debate Saturday evening, I believe one has to accomplish the difficult task of gauging the pre-debate expectations of the population of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding.

Bad farm roads hamper production
The South Western Clarendon constituency consists of four parish council divisions. They are Toll Gate, York Town, Milk River and Race Course.

Bruce, hands down - PM short on facts, Opposition Leader more convincing
The two persons seeking to lead the country after the August 27 General Election - Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding - clashed in a leadership debate last night; and, according to analysts, Golding was more comfortable and convincing in addressing the issues.

PNP outlines plans for education reform
If it succeeds in forming the next government, the People’s National Party (PNP) says it will implement some key recommendations by the Task Force on Educational Reform to better prepare students for the labour market.

Any foreigners in the House? Some party candidates said to possess dual citizenship
At lest one politician may have occupied Jamaica’s Parlia-ment even though the person may not have been qualified to so do, and at least seven are lining up to do the same after the August 27 general election, The Sunday Gleaner has learned.

POLITICAL AD WATCH - Attack ads on the increase
With the campaign for the August 27 general election now in its final phase, both major political parties seem to be stepping up their advertising attacking the character and capability of the opposing leaders.

Education the top priority
In the next two weeks, we will be looking closely at what the two major political parties are saying, specifically at their manifestos. We want to probe these documents, weigh them side by side, cost them, take a close look at what has been included and what has been omitted, then discuss the implications these might have for Jamaica as we peek at the policies that will likely shape our future.

Education to change political mindset
Support for political parties in Jamaica has been referred to as a cult, with some supporters lacking the maturity to make informed decisions not entirely based on preference or tradition.

Political murder in Yallahs, says PNP
In the latest of a string of accusations by the two major political parties, the People’s National Party (PNP) is labelling as political, the shooting death of one of its members, Selvin Green, of Yallahs in St. Thomas.

POLITICAL UNDERDOGS - White confident of victory against Baugh
Homer White has identified the suit he plans to wear down Duke Street, Kingston, after the August 27 general election. He says he will be elected to Parliament to represent West Central St. Catherine even though the results of the last general election there would suggest that he is an underdog.

Richards says Parliament is within reach
If you regard nearly 3,000 votes as a safe majority in politics, chances are Lennon Richards will think you are crazy. He tells The Sunday Gleaner he is going to win Central St. Mary, a constituency that has been loyal to the People’s National Party (PNP) since Independence.

‘More loans for students’
The governing People’s National Party (PNP) says it is reviewing the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) and has promised to extend the benefits to middle-class parents with a second or third child attending university, if it wins the August 27 general election.

Jamaica 2007 electoral debates: Shaw commands debate
Opposition Spokesman on Finance Audley Shaw has argued strongly that a new Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration would create jobs and ultimately generate growth to pull the country out of its economic woes.

Cool the violence or lose the vote, warns Walker
Director of Elections, Danville Walker, has threatened to have the general election postponed in two tension-filled constituencies if incidents of violence and civil disturbance continue throughout the ongoing campaign.

People’s National Party (PNP) repeats full literacy pledge
As it did five years ago, the People’s National Party (PNP) said yesterday that it would implement a national remediation programme to achieve 100 per cent literacy in five years.

‘Yute dem wanta better way’
People’s Agenda: They live in different areas of the constituency but the words they echo are the same. The problems are the same. Like many Jamaicans in different areas of the country, the people of Central Kingston face daunting problems they say require much intervention.

Critiquing the debate - Much confidence, few solutions
The debate between Dr. Kenneth Baugh and Dr. Peter Phillips provided a good lead off in the series, as both men are knowledgeable of the Jamaican state of affairs and have good memory. Dr. Phillips settled down early and this gave him the edge over Dr. Baugh. A show of confidence by a debater always helps to convince the audience that the person is genuine and keen on the issues, even if the content of the presentation is weak. Both debaters gain marks for being genuine, but we must scrutinise the content.

Driving in ‘park’
In terms of substantive content, regrettably, this was a dud. The debaters not only started in ‘park’ but more or less remained there for the entire 90 minutes.

No decisive blows landed
Although Dr. Phillips appeared a slightly better debater, neither he nor Dr. Ken Baugh succeeded in landing a decisive blow in Wednesday night’s debate making it virtually a draw.

Debate lacked answers
I was not surprised that Dr. Phillips got the edge on presentation over Dr. Baugh, by virtue of his own style. Dr. Baugh did fine, however, he is not a strong match to debate Dr. Phillips. His personality, in itself, is less emotive and he is less articulate.

Crime not properly addressed
The first of the three televised national political debates can be analysed focusing on the appearance of the candidates and/or the substance of their statements as they placed their party’s position on critical issues under the microscope for scrutiny.

Of a First World standard
To the credit of the Jamaica Debates Commission, the moderator, the panellists, the two protagonists and, indeed, to Jamaica, the performance, generally speaking, was of First-World standard.

It was par for the course
As on so much in life, the idea of political debates is generally far more exciting than the actuality. We conjure up images of omniscient political titans hurling intellectual thunderbolts at each other. The reality is usually nervous human beings anxious not to make foolish mistakes. The first national debate between Dr. Peter Phillips and Dr. Ken Baugh, though very professionally organised, was par for this course.

National political debates continue
The second of three debates in the series of national political debates will take place tonight with the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Audley Shaw battling Dr. Omar Davies of the People’s National Party (PNP).

I need a reason to act - Blair
Political Ombudsman Herro Blair has said that until he has received complaints of political flags being mounted in various constituencies, he is in no position to take action against the act, which is said to be increasing political tension in some communities.

Bodies of German, Jamaican lover found
Senior investigators in St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland were working feverishly yesterday afternoon to unearth clues into the deaths of a German national and her Jamaican partner, in what they suspect may have been a botched love affair.

PNP presents candidates for virtual voters
This general election campaign has already seen politicians attempting, sometimes struggling, to demonstrate familiarity with the Internet Generation.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) manifesto inadequate - Enviro group
The Jamaica Environmental Advocacy Network (JEAN), an umbrella organisation for several environmental groups, has suggested there are several deficiencies within the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) manifesto as it relates to proposed plans for the environment.

Gleaner Editors’ Forum - Youths want change in police behaviour
Like zinc fences and board houses, police abuse, according to inner-city youths, has become a feature of inner-city life, and the youths who reside in these areas want no more of it.

‘They have no integrity’ - Youths want reform of political system in Jamaica
“They are hypocrites!” That was the strongly expressed opinion on Jamaica’s politicians, coming from a group of young people yesterday at a Gleaner Editors’ Forum.

Jamaica 2007 Electoral Debates - Crime should have been focus - Analyst
Political analyst Charlene Sharpe Pryce has criticised both participants in the first national debate for not putting the country’s number one problem - crime and violence - as a priority in the first six months of any new administration.

Prime Minister of Jamaica announces Cultural Industry Development Fund
With abeng in hand and, as she claims, victory in sight, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller on Tuesday night announced the establishment of a Cultural Industry Development Fund, which she says will give Jamaicans an opportunity to make good on their artistic and cultural talents.

Crime, education and lack of jobs trouble youth
Crime and violence, unemployment and educational challenges were the recurring concerns expressed by a group of 14 inner-city youths at the same Gleaner Editors’ Forum.

Nomination excitement
Roving with Lalah: I heard that there were women wearing next to nothing and swinging their hips and other things to the sound of popular music. I was also reliably informed that there was alcohol involved, so I assumed that the gyrations would have been taking place with some degree of reckless abandon. So, with great alacrity and with some degree of excitement, I headed out to witness first hand, the carnival - like atmosphere that is created when it’s Nomination Day in Kingston, Jamaica.

It was fanfare out west
It was generally a festive atmosphere across western Jamaica Tuesday as 38 candidates submitted nomination papers for the region’s 15 constituencies.

PNP candidate’s injury could affect campaign
The People’s National Party (PNP) has suffered a major setback in its election campaign in South West St. Ann with the hospitalisation of its candidate, Glenville Shaw.

An attempt to intimidate my people - Holness
Andrew Holness, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for West Central St. Andrew, says he will be seeking the help of the police and the Political Ombudsman to address recent drive-by shootings in the constituency.

Party supporter charged
A 36-year-old People’s National Party (PNP) supporter is to face the courts in St. Elizabeth tomorrow to answer to charges of breaches of the Firearms Act.

Parties party - 146 candidates nominated - Woman killed, two cops shot
What could have been a relatively peaceful nomination day was marred by two shooting incidents yesterday afternoon in Kingston and St. Andrew, which left two policemen nursing gunshot wounds and an elderly woman dead in Grants Pen.

‘Tie would be a nightmare’
Dr. Lloyd Barnett, constitutional lawyer and chairman of election observer group, Citizens’ Action for Free and Fair Election (CAFFE), has warned of a constitutional nightmare should the People’s National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party win an equal number of seats in the upcoming general election. Dr. Barnett, who was addressing a Lions Club of Kingston luncheon meeting yesterday, said that based on a number of polls, the election is likely to be very close.

Equally confident
Political candidates in Central Manchester revelled in the spotlight yesterday as they came out to be nominated, Peter Bunting, with his head sticking out the top of a posh SUV, and Sally Porteous doing a balancing act, riding pillion on a motorbike.

Police ready!
Yesterday’s display by members of the island’s security forces was a clear indication that the lawmen are ready for any eventualities that may occur during the upcoming general election.

History in the making
A total of 146 candidates will be gunning for the 60 available seats in the House of Representatives, when they do battle in the August 27 general election. The final list of candidates was confirmed after yesterday’s Nomination Day activities.

Bruce, party supporters make merry
Nomination Day activities in Kingston Western took on a carnival-like flavour yesterday with supporters of both major political parties dancing together in the streets to popular songs used in political advertisements by both the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

Portia vows to sound victory with abeng
For the many Jamaicans who have seen Portia Simpson Miller in recent days with an abeng, and have questioned whether she knows how to use it, the Prime Minister has said she will sound it on election night at the People’s National Party (PNP) headquarters.

Festival-like atmosphere in West Central St Andrew
Patrick Roberts of the People’s National Party (PNP) said he had 2,000 supporters. The Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Andrew Holness said his supporters numbered 5,000. But the police on the scene said they had far less.

All’s well in St Ann - Lisa Hanna, Peter Fakhourie register amid jubilation
Thousands of supporters of the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) turned out in St. Ann yesterday to cheer their respective candidates as each of them handed in their nomination papers for the August 27 general election.

Incident-free day in West Portland
Nomination day activities in the West Portland constituency, which was in previous weeks marred by reports of defacing of political billboards and posters, was incident-free yesterday as Daryl Vaz of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Abraham Dabdoub were officially recognised as the candidates for the August 27 general election.

A symbol of peace
People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for South East St. Andrew, Maxine Henry-Wilson, released two doves as a symbol of peace at a ceremony yesterday on Old Hope Road in St. Andrew, following her nomination as a candidate for the August 27 general election.

St Catherine candidates lead the way for peace
If the display of friendly rivalry in Central St. Catherine is anything to go by, then the August 27 general election is likely to be a peaceful one.

Picture of contrasts
There were contrasting scenes when the two candidates for South St. Andrew arrived at the Torrington United Church nomination centre.

67-y-o killed, cops shot
The colour associated with nomination day turned pale in at least two Corporate Area communities yesterday. A single bullet hole in Cecilia McCarthy’s bedroom window bears testament to another senseless killing in the island and one that has left residents of Markland in Grants Pen, St. Andrew, scared and upset.

Disturbance in ‘St Bess’
Violence threatened a peaceful day in St. Elizabeth yesterday after People’s National Party (PNP) candidate Norman Horne was nominated. At 10:42 in the morning Mr. Horne entered the nomination centre at the B.B. Coke High School in Junction, St. Elizabeth, along with former Member of Parliament Derrick Rochester and other family members, including his father, Donald Horne, who is a former councillor for the Junction division.