CARICOM observer at ease with election preparations

The CARICOM electoral observer mission to Jamaica is reporting that it is satisfied with the state of readiness of the electoral machinery in the run-up to the general election on Monday.

Speaking yesterday at a press conference at the Courtleigh Hotel, New Kingston, chief of mission, Gerald Watt, said the team has targeted some 14 constituencies in Kingston and St. Andrew, including marginal seats.

He told journalists that a team of eight CARICOM observers would monitor the elections and submit a report to the Jamaican Government and the CARICOM Secretary General.

Without exaggeration

"We have a duty not only to the Government,but to the people of Jamaica, and if we find that something is wrong we have a duty to say it fairly and as honestly as we can without embroidery and without exaggeration," he said.

The group was invited to observe the election by the Jamaican Government.

On Tuesday, the mission will convene a press conference to brief the media on its assessment of the elections.

The main scope of the mission's work include observing the electoral process and preparations for the start of the polls. It will also monitor the casting of votes, the closure of polling stations and the counting of the ballots.

Mr. Watt said the mission has met with representatives from the Electoral Commission, the director of elections, the political ombudsman, the police and other stakeholders.