Daily Gleaner election news, Friday August 10
Written by JamaicaElections.com
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.