By Glenda Anderson, Staff Reporter 
Tufton
CHRISTOPHER TUFTON, president of G2K, the grouping of young professionals allied to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has denied the organisation's direct involvement in the party's internal elections amidst speculations that its support may have been critical to the victory for newly-elected deputy leaders James Robertson and Horace Chang.
"G2K took the position that as an organisation we were not going to endorse any individual for the recent deputy leader elections. We maintained that position throughout the campaign," Mr. Tufton said. "We, however, did agree that individuals had a right to support whichever candidate they wished. As a result there were members supporting the incumbents and other members supporting the challengers."
The group's president also dismissed suggestions that the group had its eyes set on the upcoming November 23 elections for chairman and vice chairman as an important next step in a drive for radical change within the party.
"The elections are no more important than any other internal elections. For us the most important thing is that the process is fair and transparent and that the delegates are allowed their right to choose the officers they feel will best lead the party into the future. This would be democracy at work and our organisation supports democracy.
"Personally, I fully respect and believe that the delegates know what is best for them, their party and their country and they will act accordingly. That would be a good thing," he said.
In last Saturday's election, JLP delegates rejected veterans Olivia Grange and Edmund Bartlett, in favour of the newcomer James Robertson and returning member Dr. Horace Chang.
"The facts are that there are numerous past and present positives that can be attributed to the JLP's current leadership and its outlook. Having said that, there is no doubt that like all organisations the party must adjust and adapt in order to stay current and relevant to society's challenges and to win the support of the people we are competing to serve. I don't think G2K is the only arm of the party that recognises that fact and I am sure the leadership also accepts this."
But there has been suggestions of a tug-o-war in the JLP, with reformist elements bent on getting rid of the old guard.
Pressed for a response as campaign manager for contender Audley Shaw, David Panton former G2K president refused.
"I would prefer not to comment. It's an internal party election among the central executive and I don't want to comment," he said.
Still it is suggested that the reform relies on support from influential senior members, financiers of the party's election campaigns and is buoyed by some G2K members.
Former National Democratic Party (NDM) member and Bruce Golding right-hand man, Tufton has already declared his strong support for Bruce Golding as chairman in the upcoming elections but insists that the support is personal and not as G2K representative.
Dismissing suggestions of a covert alignment, Mr. Tufton said the G2K's mission was to continue to support the party hierarchy.
The agenda, he said, included specific plans to strengthen the group's youth membership islandwide, and lobby for critical areas to be addressed, particularly education and unemployment.
"They (the youth) need leadership and guidance and G2K wants to engage and get them involved," he said.
