Westmoreland, Jamaica—Expressing deep disappointment in the performance of the elected representatives from Westmoreland in Parliament, People’s National Party President and Leader of the opposition, Mark Golding, highlighted their lack of vocal contribution during sessions.
Addressing a gathering of supporters at Manning’s High School in Westmoreland on Sunday night, January 13, 2024, Golding criticized the parliamentarians who secured their seats on a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) ticket in the Thursday, September 3, 2020, general elections for their negligible presence in the house.
“The representation of Westmoreland in Gordon House falls short of what this outstanding parish deserves,” Golding asserted.
“I have yet to hear any substantial contributions from them in parliament. I am unsure of their stance on various issues. While I believe they are in attendance most of the time,” he remarked.
Golding further elaborated, “One of them has been sidelined after the incident that led to his removal from the chamber. It is clear that they are not prepared. The people of Westmoreland deserve better,” he added, as he urged the Member of Parliament, aspirant for Westmoreland Eastern Dr. Dayton Campbell to take charge.
“I have faith that you will strive to represent the people effectively…and, in due time, bring about improvement,” Golding assured Campbell.
The party leader praised the general secretary for his diligence and sharp intellect, expressing confidence in Campbell’s potential to contribute to the transformation of the Jamaican economy into one that is robust, well-diversified, and generates prosperity for the populace.
JLP says it will dominate local government election
As the pending local government election campaign gains momentum, the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) is optimistic about a landslide victory, with sitting municipal councilors, councilor candidates, Members of Parliament, and constituency caretakers making promises to the electorate.
Despite the yet-to-be-announced election date, the campaign activity has surged, with candidates actively engaging with various divisions. Among these candidates is Venesha Phillips, the current councilor of the Papine Division in the St Andrew Eastern constituency.
Following her resignation from the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) after the 2020 election defeat, Phillips made the decision to join the JLP. Her official introduction as a member of the JLP took place at the 80th JLP annual conference in November 2023. Additionally, after attending the central executive meeting at the governing party’s Belmont Road headquarters on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Kingston, Phillips expressed her contentment with her new political affiliation.