JLP makes case for third term citing 256 achievements

By: Admin

Image caption: JLP Manifesto and Achievement Committee Chairman Senator Kamina Johnson Smith

Senior member of the Jamaica Labour Party's election campaign team, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, says Jamaicans have 256 reasons to give the party a third term.

Senator Johnson Smith, who chairs the Manifesto and Achievement Committee, says the party's achievement booklet, launched Wednesday, is a demonstration of accountability.

"Publishing this book was about saying that there are at least 256 reasons that you should vote for the Jamaica Labour Party. Essentially, it's saying that we're holding ourselves accountable to you and we want you to continue to hold us to account because that's what democracy is about. We want you to know that your vote counts. And that's why we ask you to not only choose Jamaica but to choose the Jamaica Labour Party."

Senator Johnson Smith, who was speaking Wednesday at a JLP press briefing, said she is not concerned that some Jamaicans may find it hard to believe new promises will be kept, given the fact that previous promises, including fixed election dates, have not materialised. 

"Even while we continue to consult and listen, we have a broader, a broad-based constitutional reform process underway, which would actually unearth and is unearthing some of the thinking and some of the understanding and some of the interest in some of those issues. And that's moving things along. But do I think, therefore, that not having inserted or passed legislation to impose a fixed election date will undermine trust in our system or in our achievements? Not at all. I think that the majority of Jamaicans will judge us on the fact that we have been delivering on matters that impact the majority of Jamaicans," she reasoned.

JLP campaign committee chairman, Dr. Christopher Tufton, said he is confident that Jamaicans have been soaking up the party's platform messages ahead of the general election.

Responding to questions at the launch of the party's achievement booklet, Dr. Tufton said based on the feedback on the ground, Jamaicans are absorbing the performance record of the government. He admitted that the party's message can be conveyed in other ways apart from mass rallies, even though they serve a purpose. 

"It's really more intimate conversation involving candidates and interaction in communities, and it's reflected in the benefits which the achievement document reflects. The 350,000 persons who never had water, now have water. There's an appreciation for that, and it is being expressed. The three areas of cancers that were not covered under the NHF, or the three million prescriptions that were written. In 2015, less than one million prescriptions were written, and when you speak to persons who can now benefit from free medication, there is a sense of appreciation for that. 

"So, I do believe that the Jamaican people are discerning. I do believe that once the case is made, more will give support having accepted that we are the better choice, and that process is one that we have to work on in a campaign, as I would expect," he acknowledged.

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