Whether you missed them, or just want to catch them again, you can now listen to all three national political debates online via Power 106 FM.

A Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporter has also posted video clips of the debate between Party Leader Bruce Golding and People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller to YouTube.com.

Photo by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer: People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Leader Bruce Golding greet each other before the start of the Jamaica Debates Commission sponsored national political debate, held at the Creative Production and Training Facility (CPTC) in St. Andrew on Saturday, August 11.

Some readers may remember the recent CNN-hosted debate between Democratic Presidential hopefuls in the United States, where all questions were provided by members of the public - they were invited to contribute via the video-sharing website YouTube.com.

Recently someone, already known to YouTube users for posting under his moniker ‘Mad White Jamaican’, posted a question for candidates in the current general election campaign:

“What are the benefits you believe that you’re opponent can bring to the table to help move our beautiful island forward?”

JamaicaElections.com also forwarded the question to the leadership of both main parties - the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) - and is awaiting their response.

Perhaps you have or would like to similarly post a question to YouTube? Let us know and we will assist in getting a response from the politicians concerned.

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.

With political analysts concluding that Bruce Golding of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) beat Portia Simpson Miller of the People’s National Party (JLP) in the leadership debate on Saturday night, JamaicaElections.com went on the road today to gauge the public reaction.

We wanted to find out whether the analysts right in their assessment, and more importantly, does the ‘result’ make any difference to voters whom we spoke to in the inner city Kingston communities of Maxfield Avenue and Tel Aviv?

Photo by Dayne Morrison: Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporting Maxfield Avenue residents Peter (left) and Rocky (right).

Not to mention that, as demonstrated by United States President George W. Bush, you can be viewed immediately afterwards as having ‘lost’ the debate, yet still win at the polls - when it really matters. This is what our respondents said:

Peter, a 32-year-old Labourite from Maxfield Avenue said that the debates did not change anything that he thought about his party. “A Bruce wi sey all di way … my father used to make bells, all now him still do it, so mi nah put down my bell,” he said. “Bruce won the debate.”

Rocky, 35, was standing beside Peter in his ‘Bruce’ t-shirt’ and said about the debate: “Mi did a listen still but mi never really care b’coz a Labour mi sey straight … a Labour party mi sey since mi born, no debate can’t change that.”

Over in Tel Aviv Ma, 58, was ironing her clothes for the next working day. “I born as a PNP, I grow as a PNP and I will die as a PNP,” she said. “Bruce sey, when him win wi (People’s National Party) ah go have heart-attack, an if him really win fi true, ME, as a die-hearted PNP goodly have heart-attack.”

Tia, 24 was lounging in Ma’s room with her crew at the time. “PNP, all di way … Well I nuh really care bout them debate but what I would like for Jamaica, when all this is over, in terms a anybody win, me’da like everybody come under one, me nuh waan no more two-party ting, jus one-party a govern di ting.”

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) today finds itself having to condemn the behaviour of its supporters after they threw food and water on journalists covering their rally in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay on Sunday evening.

In a statement issued this afternoon the JLP promised to ensure greater security for journalists at future events.

Last week the nation witnessed political leaders from the two main parties - the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) - debate election issues, live on national radio and television.

But whether or not they answered on those issues to your satisfaction, perhaps you might remain concerned about one pressing issue - the cost of living.

To put candidates to the test we surveyed PNP and JLP candidates on some basic items.

Some candidates answered our questions with ease and were eager to know afterwards, ‘How did I do? Sounds like I know about the people!’

Some were hesitant in agreeing to the interview. Several had to asking persons around them for help on the cost of bread and bus fare from their constituency to Parade in downtown Kingston.

St. Catherine

Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange – Central (JLP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $100
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $100
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $150 - $200 at a party and $100 at a regular bar
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $3,500 - $5,500 for schools within the constituency and $10-15,000 within the Corporate Area
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. You don’t pay to go to Passa Passa - you just buy out the bar.

Collin Fagan – South East (PNP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $200 up
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $50
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. I don’t drink but I suppose its about $80 - $100
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $5,000 - $7,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. Don’t know, but I don’t think there is a charge.

Kingston

Dr. Charlton Collie – Central (JLP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $110
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. My constituency is next door to Parade but from Winward Road or Allman Town its $50
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $9,000 - $13,000
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $80 - $100
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. Never being there so I don’t know the cost.

Ronald Thwaites – Kingston Central (PNP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $200 depending on the size of the loaf
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $50
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. I don’t drink beer
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $3,500 - $8,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. I really wouldn’t know the cost of admission.

Clarendon

Pearnel Charles – North Central (JLP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. About $120 - $160
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. Wouldn’t be able to tell. It may be about $500
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $100
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $5,000 - $6,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. Don’t know, didn’t know that they had a charge.

Richard Azan – North West (PNP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. Don’t know
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $200
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $90
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $2500
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. Don’t live in Kingston, so I don’t know the cost.

Manchester

Richard Hector – South (JLP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. Don’t know, my wife does the groceries
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $500
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A.$100
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $15,000 but it could be less
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. Don’t know, about $300.

Paul Lyn – North East (PNP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $110 for a 2lb loaf
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $200
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $100
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $6,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. Don’t know, but I think it’s free based on my understanding.

St. Ann

Othneil Lawrence – North West (JLP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $100
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $300 - $400
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $100
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $5,000 - $11,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. It’s free – you don’t pay.

Lisa Hanna – South East (PNP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $20 - $150
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. From Claremont its $150 and from Nine Miles it’s $70
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $80 - $120
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. Many of the students are on the cost sharing and path programme but it starts from about $5,000 - $7,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. Don’t know. When I used to go to parties there was no entry fee, so I am surprised if they do charge now.

St. Mary

Robert Montague – Western (JLP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $110 for a 2lb loaf
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $300
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $100
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $6,000 - $7,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. It’s a roadside dance - it must be free.

Harry Douglas – South East (PNP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. Most expensive is a big loaf which costs $200
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. On a bus its $150. On a taxi - $200
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $90 - $120
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. Fees for a top of the line school can go up to $18,000. St Mary High for example is $9,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. I don’t know, but I get the impression that it is free.

St. Andrew

Andrew Holness – West Central (JLP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $100 but the cost depends on the type of bread
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $100 - $150
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. At a dance it costs $100 - $150 and normally it’s $100
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $4,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. There is no entry cost.

Maxine Henry-Wilson – South East (PNP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. Don’t really keep tabs with the cost for the different items
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $50
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. Don’t drink beer neither do I buy it a lot
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $6,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. Don’t have a clue about that. I don’t even know if you have to pay to be admitted.

St. James

Edmund Bartlett – East Central (JLP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $100 - $150
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $1,000 on minibus and $1,000-plus on the Knutsford Express
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $100
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $6,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. I wouldn’t know the cost - I come from country.

Donald Colomathie – East Central (PNP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. Not sure, maybe about $270
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $500 (coming from West Street)
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $80 - $100
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $5,000 - $7,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. Don’t know, I live in Mo’ Bay.

St. Thomas

Fenton Ferguson – East (PNP)

Q. How much does a loaf of bread cost in your constituency?
A. $150 for a large loaf of bread
Q. How much does it cost to travel by bus to downtown Kingston from your constituency?
A. $90 from the Constant Spring Area
Q. How much do your constituents pay for a beer?
A. $80
Q. What is the average cost of High School tuition fees for students in your constituency?
A. $7,000 - $10,000
Q. How much does it cost to get into Passa Passa?
A. I guess it maybe about $400 - $500.

James Robertson - West (JLP)

Mr. Robertson replied that he was unaware of the cost of the items.

“But what I do know is that I am ashamed to know that as a businessman I can’t afford to give my wife enough money to buy the necessary stuff for the house.

“I know that a whopper combo at Burger King is $355, which means that a minimum wage worker cannot afford to take his wife and son for a lunch.

“The cost of a bottle of WATA (one of Jamaica’s most popular brands of bottled water) is $50 and that is frightening. All petrol costs over $50 per litre. It’s a disgrace what the cost of living is.”

Click here to listen to Power 106 FM online
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.

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.

The nation has just watched People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Leader Bruce Golding complete the final installment of three national political debates.

Mrs. Simpson Miller highlighted her own attributes and record as Prime Minister as reasons to vote PNP on Election Day, August 27. Mr. Golding continued to stress that the nation had underperformed under the PNP and that the JLP would increase investment.

The two leaders clashed on several issues including trust and corruption. However both leaders addressed each other on first name terms toward the end of the debate when Mrs. Simpson Miller approached Mr. Golding to embrace and kiss him.

What is your response to this and the previous two debates? Did they sway or convince you to vote for either the PNP or the JLP? Have your say and comment below.