PNP kicks off bid for 4th term

Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Omar Davies (left) in close consultation with Minister of Education and Culture, Burchell Whiteman during the "Solid Achievements" function of the PNP at the Hilton Kingston yesterday. It was a presentation of the party's work since 1997 and a launching of the way forward. - Winston Sill

By Omar Anderson, Staff Reporter

A CONFIDENT Prime Minister P.J. Patterson yesterday reminisced on the People's National Party's (PNP) achievements since it won general elections in December 1997, admitted it was in a pre-election mode and declared that as of yesterday the party's official campaigning had begun.

"We are out of the starting blocks and I say to anybody, catch us if you can," he told hundreds of cheering party supporters, well-wishers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Mr. Patterson, who is also PNP president, was giving the main address at the Hilton Kingston Hotel at the launch of the party's "Solid Achieve-ments", a presentation of the party's work since 1997 and a look at the way forward.

Top brass PNP Ministers, including Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Omar Davies, vice-president, and Transport and Works Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, and deputy chairman and Education and Culture Minister, Senator Burchell Whiteman, briefly outlined the party's achievements but said less of their future plans.

"The PNP will not engage in political skirmishes," Mr. Patterson told the gathering. "We are ready for a political fight and we intend to win."

During his 36-minute speech, he said there were challenges the party faces, but he announced that he was leading the PNP charge of forming a national alliance of all groups dedicated to increasing social capital, creating jobs, sustaining growth and ensuring justice for all.

"It is in this crusade I invite you to join," he entreated the gathering and, by and large, the nation. "This is a summons to take our message to the people, to be faithful to our traditions and at the same time, renew our energies," he said. "The trumpet is sounding and we must answer the call."

Following his speech, the Prime Minister told this reporter that yesterday's meeting was aimed at "preparing for that time (general elections)." Asked if general elections would be called this year, Mr. Patterson said: "That I will not respond to at this time."

Calling the PNP "the social conscience of the nation", Mr. Patterson added that the party was determined not only to restore its "accustomed standards", but to further improve its organisational efficiencies because of changes in the electorate and "technology that are available for the conduct of elections."

"We are going out very vigorously to rebuild the organisation and we are very confident this will result in our being able to win a fourth consecutive term," he said.

In the meantime, several persons attending the "Solid Achievement" unveiling said they were enlightened.

"The whole coverage of the presentation was well done," said Lenworth Reckford, a site administrator.

"It enlightened us as to where we want to go, which party we want to serve, and the party we expect to be here and onwards."

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