Power 106 FM election news, Thursday August 9
Written by JamaicaElections.com
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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.