Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
THE JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) has moved to shore up its public relations image with the appointment of a full-time spokesperson on party matters.
This latest move follows recent gaffes by party leader leader Bruce Golding that brought pressure on himself and the party.
The JLP's Central Executive recently selected Deputy Leader Audley Shaw to chair its public relations committee, with Olivia 'Babsy' Grange as his deputy.
"We believe that's (public relations image) an area of weakness and we have to work on it," Mr. Shaw, the North East Manchester Member of Parliament told The Gleaner yesterday. "It's the party's intention to appoint a spokesperson for the party, just like a press secretary."
A month ago, Mr. Golding came under fire for what has become his infamous 'bangarang' speech.
'Bangarang' is a term Jamaicans use to mean upheaval or a very serious action.
NAZI-LIKE CONCENTRATION CAMP
During a political meeting in Fletcher's Land in his West Kingston constituency, Mr. Golding, who is also Opposition Leader, said there would be 'bangarang' if the security forces in Spanish Town continued to detain persons from the JLP-controlled Homestead, in what he called a Nazi-like concentration camp erected in the community.
During a party meeting in Mandeville two Saturdays ago, Mr. Golding publicly criticised Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields for supposedly smearing Tivoli Gardens as a haven for the gunmen who recently killed three policemen and two security guards.
Two days earlier, Mr. Golding had publicly stated he would cooperate with the security forces, endorsing their entry into any community in which the killers were based. He had also requested a meeting with Prime Minister P.J. Patterson as a symbol of political unity against crime.
"With the upcoming naming of the new Shadow Cabinet, we feel the public relations committee has to work closely with it, as well as all other organs of the party, to have a more effective communications system," stated Mr. Shaw, who brings a fair degree of experience to his latest political appointment.
FORMER DIRECTOR
He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism, and in 1981, he was former director of public relations and advertising at Jamaica National Investment Promotions (JNIP), now Jamaica Promotions Corporation.
According to Mr. Shaw, two of his main intentions are to work effectively with the party leader to ensure the party performs, and that the performance is communicated to the public.
"We intend to communicate the policies and programmes of the JLP clearly and effectively, so the people of Jamaica will realise there is a clear and better alternative to the People's National Party," he said. Meanwhile, a JLP insider with whom The Gleaner spoke yesterday said the party has been concerned in recent times with Mr. Golding's faux pas.
According to the insider, with Mr. Shaw's appointment, it is expected that more consideration will be placed on the party leader's public utterings.
"It is evident there's a weakness in not getting the party's PR right," the insider said. "People are saying that the leader is out there on a pedestal and doesn't have the good PR to support him."
