Dr. Peter Phillips representing the governing People’s National Party (PNP) and Dr. Ken Baugh of the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) began the first of three debates convened by the Jamaica Debates Commission and being held this week.

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Unsuprisingly both candidates offered very different versions of the state of the country, ahead of Election Day on August 27.

“For the first time we can in our generation see a First World standard of living being available to the Jamaican people,” said an optimistic Dr. Phillips in his summation of the debate. Meanwhile a pessimistic Dr. Baugh rebutted: “Jamaica continues to languish in poverty and disadvantage.”

Crime dominated early questioning from the panel of journalists with Dr. Phillips contending that whilst more needed to be done, his government had been successful in attacking the narcotics trafficking, removing dons and aiding stability in several troubled communities.

Dr. Baugh responded, that despite a reduction in the murder rate from a peak of 1,674 - almost quadrupling from 1989, the last year the JLP was in Government - it remained too high with the roots causes of poverty not being properly addressed. But Dr. Phillips said that reduced social spending under the JLP had contributed to a higher rate of poverty and therefore crime.

He also touted the record of the PNP in housebuilding and in job creation in the tourism sector while Dr. Baugh contended that more needed to be done to regulate and regularise squatter communities.

Both criticised health spending under each other’s administrations while also stressing the need for continued reform of the sector, which Dr. Phillips said was well underway with $2 billion in spending on equipment in the last year and the PNP having recognised the need to make regional health authorities smaller and more flexible.

They agreed that repeal of the buggery laws was not an issue in Jamaica and reiterated their Parties’ support for the death penalty.

Dr. Baugh said Parliament and not national referendums would suffice in debating the issues buggery, decriminalisation of ganja and abortion. Dr. Phillips said referendums would be a possibility under the PNP.

On education Dr. Phillips said the PNP had increased enrollment in tertiary education and also reduced unemployment but Dr. Baugh contended that graduates were continuing to leave Jamaica due to a lack of opportunities. Dr. Baugh said the JLP would seek to better integrate education with industry and repeated his Party’s manifesto pledge to eliminate school fees and raise the school leaving age to 18.

Dr. Phillips said that the PNP expected to reach its 2002 manifesto pledge to achieve 100 per cent literacy, two years late, in 2009.

With the debate returning to crime Dr. Baugh criticised the PNP’s record on corruption. He said the JLP would tackle corruption as a priority while Dr. Phillip’s defended anti-corruption and open government legislation under his Party. They also differed on whether the Government had done enough to secure Jamaica’s borders.

Citing extra-judicial killings and their impact on the poor and young, Dr. Baugh said that justice reform would be a priority should the JLP form the next Government. In rebuttal Dr. Phillips said the level of extra-judicial killings was greater under the JLP during the 1980’s and that the PNP was committed to further reform of the judicial system.

Dr. Phillips repeated the PNP’s scepticism that the JLP could finance its $60 billion in new spending plans but Dr. Baugh reiterated his Party’s position that this could be funded by increasing efficiency in Government spending and reducing corruption.

Audley Shaw of the JLP and Dr. Omar Davies of the PNP will debate economic and financial issues on Friday. Opposition Leader Bruce Golding and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller will square off on Saturday.

All debates will be held between 9-10:30 p.m.

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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.

Believed to be the first candidate this election campaign to have broadcast a personal television advertisement, People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for Central Manchester Peter Bunting looks to have done it again. Bottles of water labelled ‘Peter B is for Me!’ could also make him the first candidate to attempt this tactic. The bottles were handed out to members of the public in Mandeville, Manchester by dancers on a campaign float during Nomination Day yesterday.

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.

Nominations passed peacefully today* with the exception of one reported act of political violence. Police had to fire warning shots to disperse People’s National Party (PNP) and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters who were stoning each other in Junction, St. Elizabeth.

No injuries were reported in that incident.

A total of 147 candidates were scheduled for nomination to contest Jamaica’s 60 constituencies on Election Day, August 27.

Photos by Kerri-Ann Bercher: (left) a witness for Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for Central Kingston Dr. Charlton Collie signs his nominations papers at the nomination centre at Alpha Primary School, South Camp Road; while (below right) a flag-waving supporter of the Imperial Ethiopian World Federation Incorporated Political Party (IEWFIPP) attended the centre in support of Party leader Junior Juan Anderson who is contesting the same seat.

In West Kingston, seat of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Bruce Golding, relations between his supporters and that of People’s National Party (PNP) candidate Joseph ‘Bunny’ Witter were friendly with some dancing together, whilst singing the names of their party leaders.

“There is a wind of change blowing and the Jamaica Labour Party will be winning the next election!” a confident Mr. Golding told supporters outside the nomination centre at Denham Town High School, having arrived accompanied by his family and a marching band.

Over in her constituency of South West St. Andrew, Prime Minister and PNP President Portia Simpson Miller stressed the need for a peaceful campaign.

“I pledge total support to you and your team and hope and pray for a peaceful election in South West St. Andrew,” Mrs. Simpson Miller told election officials.

With Mr. Golding confident of his party’s chances Mrs. Simpson Miller said that she had never paid noticed to JLP candidates in her seat – she polled over 94 per cent of votes against current candidate Garnett Reid in the 2002 election.

There was even some glamour on the day with supermodel Nadine Willis turning out to support PNP candidate Patrick Roberts, who is running against incumbent Member of Parliament Andrew Holness in West Central St. Andrew.

“I am a socialist and socialists never change no course!” said Ms. Willis in reference to the famous political catchphrase.

The National Democratic Movement (NDM), with ten nominations, and other parties were also involved. Two supporters accompanied, Junior Juan Anderson, head of the Imperial Ethiopian World Federation Incorporated Political Party (IEWFIPP) to his nomination for the seat of Central Kingston, held at the nomination centre at Alpha Primary School on South Camp Road.

Despite having just nine followers of his party Mr. Anderson remains determined.

“Well, Rasta, from 1944 no political party has really done anything for the Rastafarian people and the grass-root people. So right now, I am being the vanguard for the grass-root people and the watchdog for the Rastafarian people. We have to seek political representation. Each time a debate is affected by certain issues, there has to be a demonstration. That means there is no one to talk for them so we have to be that voice. So it’s up to the people to decide.”

Reporting by Kerry-Ann Bercher, Edmond Campbell, Jermaine Evans, Dayne Morrison and Jaevion Nelson.

*Amendment: alleged acts of political violence left a 67-year-old woman shot dead, and two policeman injured by gunfire on Nomination Day.

Photo by Janet Silvera
As early as 7:30 a.m. today People’s National Party (PNP) supporters of Roger Clarke, candidate for Central Westmoreland, began converging on Lewis Street in Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland and danced their way towards the nomination centre in the town.

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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.

On your mark! - 147 vie for election candidacy today
The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) has indicated that some 147 prospective candidates will today seek to satisfy the requirements under the electoral law to become candidates in the August 27 general election. Today’s activities will put them in the starting blocks to vie for a place in Parliament’s 60-seat House of Representatives.

Clarendon police say no to motorcades today
The threat of political violence and a shortage of manpower have forced the Clarendon police to place a ban on political motorcades in North West Clarendon today.

St Thomas - Jamaica’s forgotten cousin
The People’s Agenda: As the people of Western St. Thomas look forward to another election, there are many questions on their lips.

The Elections of 1959 - ‘One good term deserves another’
On February 2, 1955, Norman Manley was sworn in as Chief Minister of Jamaica as the People’s National Party (PNP) settled down to the challenges of leading the Government for the first time. Manley’s acceptance speech reflected the sense of purpose and commitment to nation building that already characterised his public life, ” I have spent my life on many cases and now I turn my back for good and all on that life. I take into my hands the case of the people of Jamaica before the bar of history, against poverty and need. The case of my country for a better life and freedom in our land.”

Blair warns politicians - Hits at campaigns, abortion, gay marriage
Bishop Herro Blair, the Political Ombudsman and pastor of the Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre in St. Andrew, yesterday warned politicians that the Church will be watching them closely when campaigning resumes tomorrow.

The Elections of 1962 -’The Resurrection of Bustamante’
The PNP began its second term in office in 1959, having won 29 out of the 49 seats and a record 54.8 per cent of the popular vote. It was the first time since 1944 that the electorate had shown such confidence in an administration.

Battle for classes - JLP grabs at working-class voters, PNP keeps middle-income electors
The Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has improved its chances for the August 27 election by grabbing a crucial five percentage points in electoral support among working-class electors between mid-June and mid-July, according to the latest Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll.

JLP protests cheap housing for some officials
In the absence of a policy to govern the rental of state-owned properties, high-ranking officials of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) are protesting the preferential rates enjoyed by officials to the governing People’s National Party (PNP).

Political Ad Watch - PNP nah change course
Maybe it’s the celebratory mood around Emancipation and Independence holidays but both the governing People’s National Party (PNP) and the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have been having heavy rotations on radio of new campaign songs that seem to capture the spirit of the period.

Whose side is Seaga on?
Carla Seaga writes: There is a political rumour mill, which has been very active over the past month and the degree of deviousness with which it is operating can only be because it has a deliberate design to damage the reputation of my husband, Edward Seaga.

A gesture for peace
The heads of the youth arms of the two major political parties endorsed the praise-and-worship service held in Spanish Town yesterday for candidates in the upcoming general election.

Old-timers reflect on past elections
‘Politics nuh nice again,’ was how seasoned People’s National Party (PNP) activist, Venetta Samuels, described today’s political campaigning in comparison to what she called, the ‘Father Manley and Busta’ time.

NDM candidate pins hopes on ganja legalisation
Conrad Powell, a Kingston attorney-at-law running on the National Democratic Movement (NDM) ticket to represent the South East St. Elizabeth constituency, has put ganja at the centre of his campaign for the constituency.