No mood to talk - Portia says JLP has failed to control supporters
Claiming the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has failed to control its supporters, People’s National Party (PNP) president Portia Simpson Miller has declared that she is no longer willing to have peace talks with the Opposition, unless those discussions are mediated by either the Church or the Political Ombudsman.

PNP’s Peart crashes Labourite party as bus ‘changes course’
A bus transporting Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters “changed course” suddenly on Highway 2000, in the vicinity of Old Harbour, just before midnight on Thursday, colliding with a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser, driven by Local Government Minister Dean Peart.

Bruce proposes to roll back PMs’ pension benefits
Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Bruce Golding vowed Thursday night to reverse a legislative decision which brought the pension of former prime ministers in line with the salary of the current head of government.

JLP demands answers to Solutrea affair
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), yesterday demanded that Cabinet break its silence on the Solutrea cellular licence affair.

Campaign in full gear
Both the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) had their election machinery travelling throughout the island over the past week.

Without warning! - Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) lashes Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) for not advising customers of its hurricane recovery charge
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is demanding that the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd. (JPS) provide a full explanation to its customers as to why they were not given prior notification of the company’s decision to apply the hurricane recovery charge to their July bills.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) clarifies position on workweek for cops
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has reaffirmed its commitment to fully support a reduction of the working week to 40 hours for policemen and women, and says it will honour the existing agreement between the Police Federation and the Government for such a reduction.

‘Do not play politics with justice reform’
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Carol Palmer, is urging the two main political parties to treat the reform of the justice system as a national issue and not to politicise it.

‘We won’t sever ties with Venezuela’
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) general secretary Karl Samuda says the country would continue to promote cordial relations with the people of oil-rich South American nation, Venezuela, under a JLP government.

Montego Bay Chamber, politicians at odds
The last-minute postponement of yesterday’s St. James Electoral Forum has taken on a controversial overtone with conflicting reasons being advanced for the non-staging of the event.

GLEANER EDITORS’ FORUM - Cut interest rates, say business leaders
If there is one point of consensus among various business organisations in Jamaica, it is on the need to reduce the cost of loans to the productive sector. This was reiterated during a recent Gleaner Editors’ Forum at the newspaper’s North Street office in Kingston.

St Ann candidates sign political code
Candidates from the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in the parish of St. Ann have signed the Political Code of Conduct, reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful election campaign.

It was good and it was bad …
The People’s National Party (PNP) administration of 1972-1976 was a dynamic period in the history of Jamaica. These were crucial times to the development of Jamaica as a sovereign nation. Manley’s doctrine of democratic socialism changed the way the Government would regard the instance of leading a nation. It was, essentially, the first Jamaican political rhetoric to have ever been developed.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) launches manifesto Monday
Speaking at a Gleaner Editors’ Forum on Wednesday, senior party members said the manifesto was ready and would be launched publicly at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, on Monday afternoon.

Gleaner Editors’ Forum - Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to reform health - Promises to dismantle the Regional Health Authorities
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will dismantle Regional Health Authorities (RHA) and reform the structure of the health service If it forms the next government, says JLP General Secretary Karl Samuda.

Opposition will put an end to corruption
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) plans to launch a full-scale assault against corruption, should it form the next government. The party’s general secretary, Karl Samuda, says a zero-tolerance approach against public sector delinquency will be part of its constitutional reform thrust.

Gleaner Editors’ Forum - No 40-hr work week under JLP
A Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government would not support the institution of a 40-hour work week for the police if it forms the next government, party officials say.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has winning ads
The opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) seems to be winning the advertising battle with the governing People’s National Party (PNP), a Gleaner-commissioned poll by Bill Johnson has found.

Hottest topics on the cocktail circuits
Political gossip … Some high-profile JLP supporters are currently out on the circuit voicing their displeasure at recent comments attributed to their former leader, Edward Seaga. Their contention is that Mr. Seaga’s recent comments, in which he publicly disagreed with his successor’s position on the need for fixed election dates, is being seen as interfering in the political campaign now under way, and in a manner benefits the PNP.

POLITICAL AD WATCH - From the horse’s mouth
The People’s National Party (PNP), which has been slow off the mark in its advertising campaign for the August 27 General Election, is beginning to have media presence on television, with their latest ad targeting Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Bruce Golding.

Newsmaker: Bishop Herro Blair - Preaching political peace
Bishop Herro Blair can point to hundreds of lost souls he has helped save during his four decades as a clergyman. But even the 59-year-old preacher will admit that his tenure as Political Ombudsman has not been as successful.

People’s National Party (PNP) caretaker charged
Businessman Errol Lamey, the People’s National Party (PNP) caretaker/ councillor, who was detained in connection with a drug bust earlier this week, was yesterday slapped with drug charges and is to face the Half-Way Tree Criminal Court today.

Ratings improve for parties
The favourability rating of candidates representing both the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has shown improvement, according to the latest Gleaner-commissioned poll.

Pollster Bill Johnson’s survey results, which has an error margin of plus or minus three per cent, found the rating for PNP candidates increased by eight percentage points between June and July. During the same period, the favourability rating of JLP candidates increased by six percentage points. However, only four points - one outside the error margin - separate the favourability rating of each party candidate in Johnson’s July poll findings.

Politics not going uptown
Billboards, posters, party paraphernalia, graffiti slogans and flags have become a feature of Jamaican politics over the years.

But have you ever noticed that these items are mostly seen in lower-income communities - those below Cross Roads? The Gleaner decided to take a tour of the more affluent communities in upper St. Andrew to see if the same situation existed.

People’s National Party councillor faces likely drug charges
The People’s National Party (PNP) councillor/caretaker who has been detained in connection with a major drug bust is likely to be charged in connection with the find.

Education the key issue, Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) tells politicians
The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) is demanding priority attention be given to education during the general election campaign.

Families in politics - As far back as the 1750s
In Jamaica’s parliamentary history, the first father and son to sit in the Legislature were Phillip Redwood, who was a member of the House of Assembly from 1756 to 1781, and his son Stephen, who served in the House from 1790 to 1803.

45 MILESTONES: 1995 - Nation loses Michael Manley
Former Prime Minister of Jamaica (1972 to 1980 and 1989 to 1992) and former president of the People’s National Party (1969 to 1992) Michael Manley died in his 73rd year at his home. He had been ailing with prostate cancer for some time and in the latter stage was confined to his bed. Members of his family and close friends - including former Prime Minister Hugh Shearer - visited him regularly, some playing bridge with him.

Parliament to be dissolved
Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall issued a proclamation dissolving Parliament today, bringing an end to the tenure of the 60 Members of Parliament and 21 Senators.

Jamaicans support one-week campaign break - poll
The public has resoundingly approved the announcement by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller that political campaigning should take a one-week break during the celebration of Emancipation Day and Independence Day on August 1 and 6 respectively.

A Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll, conducted among 1,008 persons islandwide a week after the announcement, found that 74 per cent of respondents believed the idea was a good one. A mere 17 per cent said it was not, while nine per cent offered no view. The poll has an error margin of plus or minus three per cent.

Golding raps Government for declining agri sector in Jamaica
Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Bruce Golding, shifted the political debate on Sunday to the agricultural sector, decrying what he said was a dramatic decline in agricultural output over the last 10 years. He was addressing thousands of supporters in the strong farming community of Spaldings Clarendon.

WOMEN IN POLITICS - Paving the way to Parliament
The first woman to be elected to a Municipal Council was Mary Morrison Knibb. She won a seat on the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation Council in 1939 through the support of and campaigning of a group of some of the most formidable women in Jamaica.

It was a historic first. The men who fought against her election were flabbergasted; the women celebrated. One man even said he would prefer if women remained at what they were good at - managing households and rearing babies.

ST ELIZABETH NORTH WESTERN - Community development must accompany new MP
Bad roads, water, unemployment and community development are the main issues of concern residents of North West St. Elizabeth want the next Member of Parliament to focus on in their constituency.

People’s National Party (PNP) councillor held in drug find
There is trouble brewing for the People’s National Party (PNP), as one of its councillors was taken into custody by narcotics police yesterday in connection with a major drug bust.

The candidate, whose name is being withheld pending the outcome of an investigation, is said to be a PNP councillor/caretaker from western Jamaica.

Surprised People’s National Party (PNP) not farther ahead - Robertson
Dr. Paul Robertson, the campaign director for the governing People’s National Party (PNP) says he is surprised that his party is not farther ahead in the polls with the latest giving a six point lead over the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

The Bill Johnson’s poll, conducted on July 14 and 15 among 1,008 people in 84 communities across the island, measured electoral supportfor the PNP at 40 per cent and 34 per cent for the JLP.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) might pip leaders on line
With 36 days to go before the general election on August 27, the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is looking to close the gap between itself and the governing People’s National Party (PNP).

The latest Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll, conducted on July 14 and 15, placed the PNP and JLP at 40 per cent and 34 per cent, respectively, in popular standings.

Golding in cops’ corner
Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Bruce Golding, has chided the Government for what he claimed is its poor administration of the country’s security.

Samuda urges forgiveness
Jamaica Labour Party General Secretary Karl Samuda is urging Jamaicans to forgive each other in the wake of escalating political violence in the country ahead of the August 27 polls.

He said that an election victory would be meaningless if the process was marred by violence.

Fakhouries vouch for peace - Sister and baby brother look to go one-two in St Ann
Shahine Robinson and Peter Fakhourie share more than a border in the Siamese constituencies of North East and South East St. Ann.

The two Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidates also share a relationship spanning more than 50 years - they are siblings.

PNP stays on course - Battle on for middle-age voters, JLP attracting more youth, PNP solid among elderly
With general election set for August 27, the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) and Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have maintained their relative standings in public opinion during the past four weeks. But each party has increased its individual share of electoral support, according to the results of a recent Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll.

Johnson’s poll, conducted on July 14 and 15 among 1,008 people in 84 communities across the island, measured electoral support for the PNP at 40 per cent and 34 per cent for the JLP.

Thwaites’ ban for unity of the church – Archbishop
Archbishop Lawrence Burke says his decision to ban Deacon Ronnie Thwaites from the pulpits of the Roman Catholic Church is grounded in his belief that politics and ministry do not mix if the church is to remain united.

McGill’s date with destiny
If it were horse racing and MikeHenry and Dr. Neil McGill were the only charges lined up for the derby, bookmakers would be offering odds of 1-9 for Henry to win. Simply put, he would have to fall into a huge hole to lose.

McGill, of the People’s National Party (PNP), is digging such a hole for the elderly Henry, of the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP), but he knows no matter how skilfully he does it, Henry might find ways to evade it. Both men are contesting the Central Clarendon seat for which Henry has been the Member of Parliament (MP) since 1980.

Peter Sangster says he’s ready to unseat Phillip Paulwell
His granduncle, Sir Donald Sangster, led Jamaica as Prime Minister for three months before his death in April of 1967. His cousin, Kingsley, has sat in the country’s Parliament, but never Astil or Derrick. Peter, a branch of the Sangster tree, believes he, like Sir Donald, will make his way into Gordon House, an elected member.

Peter Sangster, who is running on a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) ticket, takes on the People’s National Party (PNP) Phillip Paulwell for the East Kingston and Port Royal seat. Even though he barely got back his deposit money when he first contested in 2002, Sangster is confident that he will factor among the winners after the August 27 general election.

JLP makes first strike
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has been on the campaign trail and advertising since last August, starting with a series of television spots focusing on Golding as a family man.

Battle in the east
An interesting battle seems to be shaping up in Western St.Thomas bet-ween incumbent Member of Parliament James Robertson of the Jamaica Labour party (JLP), and the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate Rosemarie Shaw.

Ronnie Thwaites banned - PNP candidate told to stay off the pulpit
People’s National Party (PNP) candidate Ronnie Thwaites has been suspended from preaching by the Catholic Church until he decides to leave active politics.

‘We do not want Blair around here’
Amid increasing tensions across the island, residents of Woodford Park in the South East St. Andrew constituency claimed yesterday that Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair has been useless in ensuring peace in the community.

Dates set for nat’l debates
The long-awaited dates for the national political debates were yesterday announced by Philmore Ogle, chairman of the Jamaica Debates Commission.

Flooding, but still no water
The People’s Agenda: Apart from 1980 when the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) snatched victory in the general election, the People’s National Party (PNP) has dominated the East Portland constituency from as far back as 1972.

Survival story - ‘We have a problem!’
Forty-nine per cent of respondents in a recent Gleaner-sponsored survey said they were surviving on the income they were making from their job. Another 45 per cent of respondents in the Bill Johnson poll said they were ‘barely’ surviving off their income. Six per cent said they could not survive on their income, and one per cent said they did not know.

‘Flags, graffiti contributing to political tension’
Residents of Mountain View Avenue in St. Andrew on Tuesday demanded that political flags, mounted on utility poles in their community, be removed. They said the presence of the flags and other graffiti has contributed to increasing political tension in the area.

Comrade Kumina gathering in the east
People’s National Party (PNP) supporters in St. Thomas on Wednesday night called on the spirits of their ancestors to deliver election victory for the party.

Three persons became possessed as members of the Lyssons kumina group engaged hundreds of supporters during the PNP-flavoured ancestral ritual held in Paul Bogle Square, Morant Bay.

‘Next Prime Minister of Jamaica should mean business’ - Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) wants more investment, less red tape
Private sector leaders attended a Gleaner Editors’ Forum yesterday to outline their priorities for the next government.

‘Crime still scaring off investors’
Also speaking at the forum Richard Chen, first-vice president of the PSOJ said violence remained the biggest deterrent to economic growth.

Police to target political hot spots
To prevent political violence the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will be focusing on the following communities: Mountain View in Eastern St. Andrew; Central Village in St. Catherine South Central; Brandon Hill and Stony Hill in West Rural St. Andrew, and Woodford Park in South East St. Andrew.

Blocking the electoral rats
How dealing with a rat problem in his parents’ bakery was the perfect professional preparation for Jamaica’s Director of Elections Danville Walker.

Political Families - A tradition of representation
Focus on Jamaica’s leading political dynasties. Jamaica has already had two families of three generations of men who have served in the legislature.

WHAT ONE SAYS … WHAT THE OTHER HEARS - Breaching the code
Today, The Gleaner continues our feature gathering the views of an uncommitted voter on statements made by politicians and other public figures ahead of the August 27 elections. Today one voter responds to breaches of the Political Code of Conduct, most notably violence perpetrated by political supporters.