At the People’s National Party’s (PNP) 86th annual conference on Sunday, party leader Mark Golding called the current Jamaican government defective and urged Prime Minister Andrew Holness to call the next general election, which is constitutionally due by next September.
The conference took place in Kingston, with guest appearances by several public figures including dancehall entertainers Vybz Kartel and Popcaan, attorney Isat Buchanan, LA Lewis, and Maroon chief Richard Currie.
“The prime minister just needs to fly the gate! Call it, Andrew, call it…. and I will sound the trumpet,” Golding declared.
“This Government is failing the people, but help is on the way, my fellow Jamaicans. Better is possible, and better must come,” he added.
Golding used a portion of his address to highlight the government’s perceived lack of accountability and underperformance in several areas.
“Jamaicans are tired of the impunity of those who hold political power. Public officials must be held accountable. There must be transparency and openness in the conduct of national affairs, and reasonable protection of privacy in personal life,” he said.
“Every Jamaican must feel well-cared-for and enabled by their Government. We must invest and build an efficient and caring public service with shorter wait times, giving value for the taxes you pay,” Golding argued.
Golding also addressed the quality of life Jamaicans deserve, saying, “People deserve much more than what is happening now. We want garbage moved from our gates; street lights that work; sewage in pipes underground and not running in the streets; clean piped water in our homes; roads that don’t mash up our vehicles’ front-end; public health facilities that treat people with dignity and provide good and affordable health care; schools that give every child a strong basic education so they can go on to pursue whatever career they choose; and we want to feel safe in our homes and communities.”
He laid out the PNP’s vision to transform Jamaica, focusing on creating a global maritime and aviation logistics hub, advancing agriculture and the blue economy for rural development, and establishing 24-hour entertainment zones. Golding also highlighted the need to develop clear guidelines under the Noise Abatement Act for night-time entertainment and to regularize electricity in communities with illegal connections, with the state covering most rewiring costs.
Golding assured supporters that the PNP would apply a mix of policy changes to “put things right” and emphasized that the party is prepared to lead with a diverse pool of talent.
“We are ready to take the bold steps necessary to make Jamaicans’ lives better, and we have a plan… The time has come for change, and the People’s National Party will bring change,” the PNP leader concluded.
