The leadership of the two main political parties have welcomed the resumption of the Vale Royal Talks saying it provides an avenue for strengthening democracy in Jamaica.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is also leader of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and Mark Golding, the Opposition Leader and President of the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) met on Sunday for the discussions that were facilitated by the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches.
Their agenda focused on national security and constitutional reform with Holness indicating that continued dialogue will facilitate consensus on challenging national issues.
“Our kind of democracy is maturing; it is evolving where we have now started to formally recognize and regulate political parties. So it is only fitting that within this evolving context of putting more rules and embodiment on our democracy that we have this meeting yearly” Holness told reporters.
He said if it became necessary the talks would be held beyond an annual basis “to discuss the critical issues that may not always be able to be ventilated properly in Parliament, but we can ventilate them here at the political level”.
Golding said while there may be disagreement on some issues, this should not be regarded as a hindrance to dialogue, national unity and effective governance. He said what’s more important is how differences are resolved and how political representatives conduct themselves in articulating their points of view.
“The manner in which we do that is important because it needs to underpin national development and be part of a positive thrust towards greater nationhood and strengthen our democracy rather than something that undermines progress.
“We are mindful of that but sometimes you may see us being assertive on issues we regard of being significant importance and that is part of our role and we are sworn to uphold the Constitution, but also as an opposition party at the present time in a vibrant democracy we have to play that role of ensuring accountability and presenting an alternative view,” Golding said.
A joint communique issued after the discussions said Holness pledged to ensure continuation of the talks and that he also expressed optimism that the talks will foster greater consensus on challenging national issues, noting that the previous discussions were successful in achieving some understanding of critical national matters.
CMC/
