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Ombudsman meeting
Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair has called four political candidates to an important meeting for tomorrow.

They will be discussing several concerns of relating to political violence.

The candidates are the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Rosemarie Shaw and the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) James Robertson in West St. Thomas. The other political candidates are Norman Horne of the PNP and Franklyn Witter of the JLP, from South East St. Elizabeth.

Director of Elections Danville Walker has warned that the elections will be postponed in any constituency where the level of violence threatens a fair contest.

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Candidate requests meeting
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for North East St. Catherine, Gregory Mair, wants police to convene a meeting with himself and People’s National Party (PNP) candidate Phyllis Mitchell to resolve what he says is a serious issue.

Mr. Mair says he has asked the Commanding Officer for the St. Catherine North division, Superintendent Harry Daley to organise the meeting.

The JLP candidate says several untrue allegations have been made about his integrity on the campaign trail. He said the allegations threatened a peaceful election in the constituency.

Up to news time Mr. Mair said he had not received a response from the police. Efforts to reach Mrs. Mitchell for a comment were unsuccessful.

Junor wants Ombudsman
The campaign manager for Peter Bunting, PNP candidate for Central Manchester, says there have been incidents of intimidation by Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters in the constituency.

John Junor, who stepped down as Member of Parliament for the constituency this election, says since Nomination Day a number of people have also migrated to the constituency.

He claims they wear JLP colours and intentionally provoke PNP supporters.

Mr. Junor also says he has reported the matter to the political Ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair.

Peter Bunting will be running against the JLP’s Sally Porteous on Election Day, August 27.

Political garrisons
Management consultant Dr. Henley Morgan says garrison communities will continue to exist in Jamaica for a very long time.

Speaking on Independent Talk this morning on Power 106 FM Dr. Morgan said that garrisons will continue to contribute to economic despair, crime and violence.

According to Dr. Morgan politicians representing constituencies with garrisons have benefited significantly from them.

In the recent political debates, both the PNP and the JLP sought to assure that their government would move to improve the condition in garrison communities, if elected through the August 27 poll.

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Additional school years
The People’s National Party (PNP) is proposing an extension of the time students spend in school if it forms the next government.

In its party manifesto launched yesterday, the party said the period would increase from 12 to 14 years.

Education Minister, Maxine Henry-Wilson says the plan was formulated after a Task Force review of the education system. She also indicated that the new system would allow for smoother transition.

The PNP has also indicated that if elected it will increase the number of students benefiting from the exam fee assistance programme to approximately 40,000 annually.

Currently the government pays for specific CXC subjects for public high school students.

PNP on building
The PNP says it will be cutting the waiting time for building approvals should it form the next government.

In its manifesto released yesterday, the party said in its next term it would begin to develop orders for all parishes and major urban centres.

The party believes this would reduce the time for decisions on development and subdivision applications.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in its manifesto also proposed cutting the waiting time for approvals of building applications. It says a single body with the representatives form key agencies will be set up to evaluate and approve or reject a building application within 90 days.

However, the PNP’s manifesto has not outlined a timeline.

In the meantime, the PNP says should it form the next government it will finalise the National Planning and Environment Act. It will also streamline the fees charged by various agencies involved in the process to approve developments.

Political debate on
The second in the series of national political debates is scheduled for this evening between the JLP’s Audley Shaw and Dr. Omar Davies of the PNP.

The debate, organized by the Jamaica Debates Commission, will focus on economic issues.

The moderator will be Derek Jones and the journalists posing questions are Franklyn McKnight, Garfield Burford and Erica Virtue.

Mr. Shaw is the Opposition Spokesman on Finance while Dr. Davies is the Minister of Finance and Planning.

The debates began on Wednesday with Dr. Ken Baugh of the JLP tackling the PNP’s Dr. Peter Phillips.

Tomorrow evening JLP leader Bruce Golding will face off with PNP president Portia Simpson-Miller.

The debates will be broadcast live on Power 106 FM at 9 p.m.

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PNP mainfesto launches this afternoon

The People’s National Party (PNP) is scheduled to launch its election manifesto this afternoon at the Courtleigh Auditorium in the Island Life Mall, New Kingston.

The document titled ‘Manifesto 2007 - Shaping the Future’ outlines the party’s plans if its elected to form the next government. The Jamaica Labour Party launched their manifesto 10 days ago.

On Tuesday PNP President Portia Simpson Miller revealed one manifesto pledge to assist creative industries by establishing a ‘Cultural Industry Development Fund’ which is outlined in the manifesto.

Mrs Simpson Miller also promised her party would focus on community development and create more training centres.

As part of the parliamentary democracy, parties are expected to prepare and release their manifestos before a general election.

Analysts on debates
Meanwhile analysts are contending that the absence of the PNP manifesto last night affected the quality of debate.

The series of three debates began with National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips and Opposition Spokesman on Health Dr. Ken Baugh, who debated social issues.

Executive Director of the South Trelawny Environmental Agency, Hugh Dixon says it was difficult to assess each party’s commitment to fulfilling the proposals outlined in the absence of the PNP mainfesto.

Political analyst Kevin O’Brien Chang believes there would have been more substance and direction to the debate if the manifestos of both parties were available before the event.

According to Mr. Chang, the issue of crime in particular was not adequately addressed.

Both Mr. Chang and Mr. Dixon say both candidates did not do a good job of saying how their respective parties would address the issues discussed.

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PNP South West St. Ann campaign ‘not changing course’
The People’s National Party (PNP) says it will sustain campaigning in South West St. Ann, despite the Party’s candidate Glenville Shaw injuring himself when he fell while attempting to get onto the back of the truck.

Mr. Shaw reportedly fractured his leg, while PNP General Secretary Donald Buchanan saying that a medical report is expected later today.

Mr. Buchanan says that the South West St. Ann constituency campaign team, assisted by the national campaign team, will continue activities in the absence of Mr. Shaw.

According to Mr. Buchanan, the incident is regrettable but should not affect Mr. Shaw’s chances on Election Day, August 27.

JLP candidate for the constituency, Ernie Smith also expressed regret at Mr. Shaw’s accident.

PNP promise ‘Cultural Industry Development Fund’ for Jamaica
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says she will establish a ‘Cultural Industry Development Fund’ if her party forms the Government.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a PNP meeting in the Portia Simpson Miller Square, Three Miles, St. Andrew, last night.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller did not disclose any other aspect of the PNP’s manifesto, which will be launched tomorrow.

PSOJ wants next government to focus on economic growth
The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), wants the party that forms the next government to focus on policy changes to bring about economic growth.

PSOJ President, Christopher Zacca says the changes are necessary in order to better facilitate the country’s development.

According to Mr. Zacca there is a need for greater recognition of the role of the private sector in promoting economic growth through a social partnership.

Meanwhile the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA), is calling for a more business-friendly environment.

JEA President Marjorie Kennedy wants the new administration to make greater use of technology to minimise the hurdles faced by some businesspersons.

Mrs. Kennedy believes that the current systems often encourage corrupt activities at some companies.

National political debates begin
The first of three national political debates between senior members of both major political parties is scheduled for 9 p.m. this evening.

The event, which is organised by the Jamaica Debates Commission, will focus on social issues, to be debated by Dr. Ken Baugh for the JLP and Dr. Peter Phillips for the PNP.

This evening’s moderator is Dervan Malcolm while the questioners are Emily Crooks, Earl Moxam and Damion Mitchell.

The second debate on Economic issues will take place on Friday between the JLP’s Audley Shaw and the PNP’s Dr. Omar Davies.

On Saturday JLP leader Bruce Golding and PNP president Portia Simpson Miller will participate in the third and final debate.

www.JamaicaElections.com will stream all three debates live via Power 106 FM.

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Nominations underway
Nomination day activities are in progress at centres across the island.

One hundred and forty seven proposed candidates are slated to be nominated today which begins the official start of the election campaign period ahead of the August 27 general election.

Police say they have implemented a number of measures to deal with any eventuality that may arise during today’s nomination day exercise.

Director of Communications for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Karl Angell says divisional commanders in the 19 divisions have been meeting with all political representatives in preparation for today.

Mr. Angell says police have put in additional measures in some areas.

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J’can colours in Miami
As of this evening the colours of the Jamaican flag are to be displayed at the Bank of America Tower in downtown Miami, Florida in celebration of the country’s 45th Independence celebrations.

The Miami landmark is to remain lit throughout the weekend into Tuesday morning as a tribute to Jamaicans in South Florida. The 47-floor tower is usually lit for special events in Miami.

Jamaica’s Consul General, Ricardo Allicock says the event will serve as a powerful symbol of the significant presence of the Jamaican community throughout South Florida.

Almost 500,000 Jamaicans live in Florida State with the largest concentration in the South Florida tri-county area, which comprises - Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.

Pastors in politics
There are conflicting views among some religious leaders on whether churches should allow their pastors to run for political office.

Speaking at a Gleaner Editors Forum Anglican Arch Deacon Leon Golding said there was nothing wrong with religious leaders becoming politicians.

According to Arch Deacon Golding pastors in politics expose themselves to accusations of being partisan in executing their religious functions.

However, Roman Catholic deacon, Peter Espuet disagrees with him. According to Deacon Espuet religious leaders should not run for political office. Catholism forbids bishops and priests from running for political office, but deacons may do so with the support of their archbishop.

Recently, Archbishop Lawrence Burke took the decision to restrict Roman Catholic Deacon Ronnie Thwaites, candidate for Kingston Central, from performing duties from the pulpit as of Nomination Day. Deacon Thwaites will be running against the JLP’s Dr. Charlton Collie.

Moravian Minister Rev. Stanley Redwood will be running against Dr. Christopher Tufton in South West St. Elizabeth, but his church has not imposed any restrictions on him.

Reverend Redwood also ran in the last election against the JLP’s JC Hutchinson in North West St. Elizabeth.

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CAFFE needs 1,000 more volunteers
Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) announced today that it needs another 1,000 volunteers to monitor for Election Day activities on August 27.

CAFFE secretary Reverend Jim Web says he is optimistic that the additional volunteers will be identified by the time the organisation finishes recruiting on August 21.

JHTA supports JLP tourism plans
The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is endorsing the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) election manifesto plans for tourism, which include plans to target higher-spending tourists and bring cruise ships and duty free shopping to Port Royal.

JHTA president Wayne Cummings said the Association supports the plans, since they would bring investment and jobs to Jamaica.

Trelawny squatters relocation
North Trelawny Member of Parliament Dr. Patrick Harris is promising residents of Kettering Hall who are facing eviction that the relocation process will shortly be completed.

The residents had been given notice to leave the property by July 31. However Dr. Harris said he needed more time for the preparation of the property in Carey Park to which they will be relocated.

Dr. Harris told Gleaner/Power 106 News that he has since sought the assistance of the Housing Ministry in the relocation process but was unable to say when the residents would be able to occupy the new location.

More than 20 families are facing eviction following a court order in 1995. The action was met with strong resistance from the residents who had refused relocation sites by the land developer.

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Paulwell cleared by Cabinet, and himself
A Cabinet review team set up to investigate the awarding of a telecommunications licence to Solutrea Jamaica Limited has cleared Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell of any wrongdoing.

Information Minister Donald Buchanan says the team found nothing wrong in the awarding of the licence.

The review team comprised Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Paulwell, the Permanent Secretary in the Technology Ministry Dr. Jean Dixon and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Carlton Davis.

Solutrea Jamaica yesterday announced that it had scrapped plans to conduct cellular business in Jamaica.

Economist welcomes JLP manifesto
At least one economist is welcoming plans by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to create more investments if it forms the next government.

In its manifesto launched yesterday, the party has proposed to create a more business-friendly environment as well as establish an offshore business centre in downtown Kingston.

Economist Errol Gregory says the proposal is needed by the country at this time.

According to Mr. Gregory the proposal can be implemented through the collaboration the public and private sector to attract more foreign investments.

He is also welcoming plans by the party to transform the country’s economy over the next five years.

The JLP has also announced plans to strengthen the police force by increasing its investigative and forensic capability, among other areas.

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JLP release manifesto today
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will release its election manifesto at 5 p.m. this afternoon at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.

This manifesto outlines the party’s plans if it is elected to form the next government.

JLP General Secretary Karl Samuda says one of the major issues addressed in the manifesto relates to the justice system.

The People’s National Party (PNP) has said it could release its manifesto on August 9.

As part of the parliamentary democracy, parties are expected to prepare and release their manifestos before a general election.

P.J. on campaign
Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson last night urged the People’s National Party (PNP) to continue the projects he started, should it form the next government.

Addressing supporters in Christiana, Manchester, Mr. Patterson said the PNP was on a course of progress.

He referred to areas such as education and social infrastructure including the development of the road network.

The former Prime Minister said that during his administration, Jamaica discontinued its borrowing relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the net international reserve was improved from a negative position.

He said it would be a backward step for Jamaica to reverse these achievements.

He also pledged to continue to support PNP president Portia Simpson Miller on her campaign.

Police on political trips
St. Elizabeth police are again appealing to political supporters to stop hanging from moving cars while on the campaign trail.

The sub-officer in charge of traffic for Santa Cruz, Corporal Noel Ford says police have increased their presence along campaign motorcade routes.

But he says that despite recent appeals by the police, supporters are still hanging out of windows, when they clear police check points.

According to Corporal Ford there was a similar situation in St. Elizabeth yesterday, when 47-year-old Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporter, Lloyd Richards was killed while traveling through Holland Bamboo.

Police reported that Mr. Richards was protruding from the window of a minibus when his head struck a bamboo tree, which killed him immediately.

The minibus was transporting persons to a JLP meeting in Savanna-La-Mar Westmoreland and reportedly hit the tree when it swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

Solutrea pulling out
Telecommunication company Solutrea Jamaica has withdrawn plans to conduct cellular business in Jamaica.

The disclosure was made by Keith Walker a founding Member of WIISCOM Technologies and a shareholder of Solutrea, Jamaica at a press conference a short while ago.