Well-known clergyman Reverend Al Miller has launched the Jamaica First Movement (JFM), which he intends to register as a political party to contest the upcoming general election. The initiative, according to Rev. Miller, is being positioned as a vehicle for national unity and would only serve for a single five-year term if successful in forming a government.
The decision to establish JFM follows an earlier attempt by Rev. Miller to unite the country’s two major political parties in a coalition. He revealed that despite meeting with one of the parties to outline the proposal, he did not receive formal expressions of interest from either side.
“We would have preferred a natural coalition of the existing parties, if they would be open to it, in spite [of] the challenges. That has proven difficult. So hence, we have created—as we had said to the public in the beginning of the year—a special purpose vehicle for one five-year term to be able to accomplish the goals, led by a team of coaches who will work with those who have the call and the commitment to put Jamaica first and to be able to advance it. So hence this is the special purpose vehicle,” he explained during an interview with Radio Jamaica News on Friday morning.
With initial investment secured, the Jamaica First Movement is now seeking the support of Jamaicans who share its vision. Rev. Miller says the movement welcomes individuals from across political lines, the private sector, religious circles, and civil society.
While JFM has not yet been officially registered as a political party, Rev. Miller said that step will depend on public response.
“That piece of it is our next phase, but we first want to sell the vision because what we are saying is we are open. Political parties who exist, if they [are] committed to the principle of unity, can become a part. So in the next week or so we will do whatever is necessary on that side, but currently it’s a vision and a call that we are making and if our people are committed to one something new, then therefore we will do whatever is necessary,” he said.
Rev. Miller has long advocated for national unity and reform and is now urging patriotic Jamaicans to rally behind the JFM’s mission.
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