‘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.

Thought to be first People’s National Party (PNP) candidate to broadcast personal campaign advertisements, Peter Bunting, who is contesting the Central Manchester constituency, is also ahead of his fellow Comrades in uploading it to video-sharing website YouTube.com.

In the clip (see below) he tells potential voters that job creation will be his priority having, he claims, helped create thousands of jobs during his career as an investment banker.

A second clip is an endorsement from John Junor who stood down for this election. With the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) the first to utilise YouTube as an election tactic, Mr. Bunting’s campaign turns the tables on them somewhat, by including footage of rival candidate Sally Porteous. The JLP previously reproduced PNP President Portia Simpson Miller’s words in their ‘Not Changing Course’ advertisement.

“I like him by the way,” Ms. Porteous says of Mr. Bunting.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has released another advertisement splicing quotes by People’s National President (PNP) Portia Simpson Miller.

Mrs. Simpson Miller is seen losing her cool and famously saying “don’t draw mi tongue!” In between her quotes, Opposition Spokesman on Finance Audley Shaw is seen criticising her performance as a minister.

But will Mr. Shaw have it so easy tonight, live in person, against Finance Minister Dr. Omar Davies in the second of three national political debates - give us your predictions and later, your reactions?

The final debate, between JLP leader Bruce Golding and Mrs. Simpson Miller follows on Saturday.

Listen live via Power 106 FM or online. Convened by the Jamaica Debates Commission, all debates are scheduled between 9-10:30 p.m.

Click here to listen to Power 106 FM online
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.

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.

If re-elected the People’s National Party (PNP) promises to do more to reform the justice system and widen access to education, according to its manifesto, which was obtained in advance of its release tonight by JamaicaElections.com.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) released their manifesto 10 days earlier.

New courts dedicated to trying domestic abuse and mental health cases will be established; while the PNP has set a two year target, to establish in partnership with civil society, 16 shelters islandwide for victims, and persons threatened by, sex crimes.

Video evidence will be introduced as part of the ongoing modernisation of the justice system, testimony allowed from remote locations and an act regarding the collection of DNA evidence drafted.

School enrolment will be made compulsory by 2010, while by 2015 students in grades one to six will be ‘exposed’ to Spanish as a second language.

A national remedial education programme will be established to achieve 100 per cent literacy for school leavers within five years – the PNP had pledged in its 2002 manifesto to reach the target by 2007.

Click to download PDF versions of PNP and JLP manifestos.

Read the full story in today’s Daily Gleaner.

This joke is currently spreading by e-mail. Having arrived in the inbox of JamaicaElections.com, we decided to share it with you.

While crossing the street one day a Member of Parliament is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in Heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

“Welcome to heaven,” says St. Peter. “Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We have never had a Jamaican high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not sure what to do with you.”

“No problem, just let me in,” says the MP.

“Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we’ll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.”

“Really, I’ve made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,” replies the MP.

“I’m sorry, but we have our rules.” And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course.

In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is shaking his hand, and reminiscing about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realises it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises to Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

“Now it’s time to visit Heaven.”

So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realises it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

“Well, then, you’ve spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity.”

The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: “Well, I would never have said it before, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell.”

So, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he’s in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.

“I don’t understand,” stammers the MP. “Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there’s just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?”

The devil looks at him and smiles.

“Yesterday we were campaigning … today you voted.”

Click here to listen to Power 106 FM online
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.

This campaign has already seen politicians attempting, sometimes struggling, to demonstrate familiarity with the Internet Generation.

One politician to be caught e-unawares is Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education and Youth and incumbent Member of Parliament for South East St. Andrew. Mrs. Henry-Wilson has been ‘pimped’ – a use of the word popularised by the MTV show ‘Pimp My Ride’, which in slang means to customise.

The PNP, unbeknown to Mrs. Henry-Wilson, launched webpages for their candidates on social networking websites MySpace.com and Hi5.com and the video-sharing site YouTube.com. Her Hi5 page - which has been customised using the free online tool Pimp-My-Profile.com - has a seductive background of hearts, inviting visitors to “… become Maxine’s first friend!”

Such virtual friends might be valuable should they become actual PNP voters on Election Day, August 27, in a hotly contested contest with Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate Joan Gordon-Webley.

“Old methods of campaigning don’t always work and in this day and age, for example YouTube and MySpace are ways we can use,” said an approving Education Minister.

According to PNP webmaster David White the pages were launched in response to a survey of young people, which recommended using social networking websites to cultivate potential voters. However seeing as most of the webpages are inactive, Mr. White and his staff might first have to educate candidates, before they can win over voters online.

There are others customisations besides Mrs. Henry-Wilson’s, with Peter Bunting, candidate for Central Manchester and Phillip Paulwell, candidate for East Kingston and Port Royal also ‘pimped’ on their respective Hi5 and MySpace pages. Mr. Bunting’s page has a background of roses while Mr. Paulwell, or whomever launched the Technology Minister’s page, choose to display the motto: “It takes more than a man to be in the military. And more than a woman to love that man.”

Previously caught unawares by social networking technology, the most popular politicians’ pages on Hi5 actually belong to PNP President Portia Simpson Miller and her predecessors as Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson and Edward Seaga – whose pages were posted by pranksters.

Judging by the number of ‘friends’ and duration of their Hi5 pages, the youth wings of the PNP and JLP are more familiar with social networking sites - but this is unsurprising since it has been the demand from young users that has driven the popularity of the technology.

PNP Youth Organisation (PNPYO) President Andrew Okola seems to be well ahead with 353 Hi5 friends, a photograph of himself with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and testimony from female users, that might encourage him to run for office next election. The page of Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional arm of the JLP, has 141 friends.

The JLP has also established its own channel on YouTube.

‘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.