Jamaica sets schedule for three political debates ahead of general election

All is set for three national political debates leading up to Jamaica’s September 3 General Election. The debates, which will be broadcast across all major media platforms, will feature representatives from both the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

For the first time, there will be a dedicated team debate on the economy, joining the traditional debates on social issues and leadership.

Debate Schedule:

• Social Issues Debate — August 23, 9 p.m.

  • JLP: Pearnel Charles Jr, Kamina Johnson Smith, Matthew Samuda

  • PNP: Damion Crawford, Raymond Pryce, Sophia Frazer-Binns

  • Moderator: Janella Precius (TVJ)

  • Questioners: Natalie Campbell (IRIE FM), Romardo Lyons (TVJ)

• Economy Debate — August 26, 9 p.m.

  • JLP: Fayval Williams, Dr. Christopher Tufton, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon

  • PNP: Julian Robinson, Peter Bunting, Kisha Anderson

  • Moderator: George Davis (Nationwide News Network)

  • Questioners: Dashan Hendricks (Jamaica Observer), Andrea Chisholm (TVJ)

• Leadership Debate — August 28, 9 p.m.

  • JLP: Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness

  • PNP: Opposition Leader Mark Golding

  • Moderator: Archibald Gordon (TVJ)

  • Questioners: Dionne Jackson Miller (RJRGLEANER Group), Giovanni Dennis (CVM TV)

The debates will provide voters with a rare side-by-side comparison of party policies and leadership styles as both parties make their case ahead of election day.