DR. RONALD Robinson has replaced Senator Dr. David Panton as president of Generation 2000 (G2K) the young professionals affiliated to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
The new president was elected last weekend at a retreat, where the group decided on a new organisational structure and worked out plans to move forward, especially in light of an increased membership base.
"I'll give it my best shot," said Dr. Robinson who served as deputy to Dr. Panton since the organisation was founded two years ago.
Speaking to journalists at a press briefing held at the JLP's Belmont Road headquarters yesterday, Dr. Robinson said his priority was to expand the membership of G2K and promote it as the voice of young people across every sector of the society.
At the same time, Dr. Panton said that he decided to step down from the post because of his increased responsibilities as a JLP Senator, as well as his pressing business commitments.
"I felt that given my business commitments and my political obligations, and given the work that would be involved for the new president, I decided that I would not run," Dr. Panton told reporters. He, however, will remain as an executive member of the group.
Coming out of the retreat the group decided to expand its executive to deal with what it said are the challenges of a growing membership as well as its increased participation in the work of the JLP.
For example, it now has five vice presidents, up from four. They are: Kavan Gayle, who will be responsible for administration and operations; Timothy Wilson, who takes on marketing and public relations; Ian Hayles, organisation and membership; Mitzie Pratt, social and gender affairs; and Norman Horne, who has responsibility for planning and development. Mr. Horne narrowly lost to the People's National Party's John Junor in the contest for Central Manchester in the recent general election.
The group has also introduced the post of general secretary, which will be held by Christopher Tufton, who returned to the JLP just before the recent election. Three deputy general secretaries will support him.
Among the other initiatives the group will be pursuing is the formation of G2K chapters across the island. It will also be placing more focus on getting additional members from the island's universities and teachers colleges.
Mr. Hayles, who is in charge of recruiting, said the organisation is pushing to have a membership base of 20,000 over the next 12 months. Currently, there are about 3,000 members with an additional 1,300 who have signed up for membership since the October 16 election.
During the next year, the group is also pushing for the completion of its constitution that will give its broad membership a role in deciding important issues, including who leads the group. Over that time, G2K will also be moving its corporate office from New Kingston to the JLP's Belmont Road headquarters.
The group gave much support to the JLP throughout the recent campaign, especially in the areas of public relations, advertising and the creation of policy positions.
