By Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer 
SHAW... I'm best-equipped to fulfil the mandate of leading a process of runaway wealth-creation. - File
AS THE leadership race heats up in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), one of the seven aspirants, deputy leader Audley Shaw, said he believes he is the best person to lead the party and the country.
According to him, his five years at Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO), which saw the employment of free zone workers moving from 600 in 1980 to 30,000 in 1989, when the JLP left office, have given him enough experience to help Jamaica realise its true potential.
Come November this year when the JLP holds its 61st annual conference, Mr. Shaw will have as possible contenders party chairman Bruce Golding, deputy leader Derrick Smith, Mike Henry, Pearnel Charles, Ed Bartlett and Delroy Chuck.
However, Mr. Shaw believes he is the best equipped to take over the reins of his party and by extension the country, following the exit of JLP leader Edward Seaga and Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.
"Of all the potential candidates for the JLP and the People's National Party (PNP), I believe I'm best equipped to fulfil the mandate of leading a process of runaway wealth creation in Jamaica," he told The Gleaner on Wednesday.
DECENT EDUCATION SYSTEM
On Tuesday, Mr. Seaga wrote to Mr. Golding announcing his intention to relinquish party leadership in November. But Mr. Shaw told The Gleaner he wants to do what Mr. Seaga never got a chance to accomplish as it relates to giving Jamaicans a decent education system and eradicating poverty.
Regarding his leadership qualities, the JLP deputy leader said he has never been known to be divisive.
"I have over the years sought to be cordial and work with all my colleagues in the JLP," he said. "Bruce Golding has admitted that of all the persons in leadership positions in the party, I have been one of the most accommodating to him on his return. That to me is a test to my capacity to unite."
Mr. Golding had left the JLP to form the National Democratic Movement (NDM) in 1995. He returned just before the 2002 general election and was credited for the party's improved performance.
Mr. Golding, who also chaired the JLP in the past, and was a former Construction Minister, is likely to be Mr. Shaw's arch-rival for the JLP top post.
In his letter, the party leader criticised Mr. Golding for allowing rank indiscipline, especially among the so-called Reformists, to bring the party into disrepute.
Mike Henry, former deputy leader, is another forceful contender. In fact, in 2000, he unsuccessfully challenged Mr. Seaga for party leadership, but still has his eyes fixed on leading the party.
"My hat has never left the ring," the party's first nationally elected deputy leader said yesterday. "I'm always available to the party when the party requires me."
Earlier this week, Delroy Chuck, a second-term North East St. Andrew Member of Parliament and JLP spokesman on Justice, hinted at joining the race for party leader. So has Mr. Bartlett who has declined to comment on his candidacy. But although quiet about it, Mr. Smith, who is the JLP spokesman on National Security, is seen as another likely contender for the JLP leadership.
