IN A much anticipated match-up - not seen since Local Government Minister Portia Simpson Miller challenged Prime Minister P.J. Patterson nearly 13 years ago for leadership of the People's National Party (PNP) - Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) heavyweights Bruce Golding and Audley Shaw will face off next Sunday in a race for party chairman.
For both men, the stakes could not be higher. Victory for either will no doubt give the clearest of indicators as to the likely successor to Edward Seaga as party leader and by extension a possible future Prime Minister of Jamaica.
For the loser, especially Mr. Shaw, who by virtue of having the platform of deputy leader from which to build his base, it could mean the end of the road at least for the foreseeable future and where leadership ambition is concerned.
Mr. Golding, though considered by many to be the likely successor to Mr. Seaga and would no doubt be jolted by a loss, could likely survive the defeat considering it would be his first run at anything since he rejoined the JLP last year. Mr. Golding had left the party five years earlier to form the National Democratic Movement (NDM).
EXTREMELY CONFIDENT
Contacted last night, both men were extremely confident.
"Having convinced myself of my full integration back into the JLP, I feel I am now ready to offer myself as a candidate for office," Mr. Golding said. "I will be running for chairman of the party next Sunday and will be filing my candidacy papers sometime tomorrow."
Pressed on what he was bringing to the table, Mr. Golding said: "Looking at what I have been advocating over the past 10 years, I represent change. Any organisation, and the JLP is not unique in this, must and should always be seeking to renew itsel and should not be adverse to change. In the last election, there were so many persons that didn't bother to come out and vote for one reason or the other. The JLP has a golden opportunity to reach out to those people...to get them to see politics in a different light."
For Audley Shaw, it's a matter of "experience and the proven ability to unite."
"It's a decision that I have made based on a great concern in the party that we need someone that can unite the party while at the same time continue on the process of rebuilding and renewal. I am proud of my track record in the JLP...I have been a loyal and dedicated worker... never been afraid to expose corruption or take on the PNP Government. Even in the darkest days and weakest moments I have never resiled from my duties."
