PhillipsWITH THE Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government and the island's trade unions seemingly again under threat, Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips said yesterday that it was imperative that everything is done to keep the MoU intact.
Speaking to constituency delegates in East Central St. Andrew, Dr. Phillips said: "The future of the country is going to be determined in a major way by our ability to find a common ground to deal with issues critical to national development," he said.
"In this regard, the MoU is of central importance. This agreement by the Government, the private sector and the trade unions is the fruit of some long and tireless hours by all parties and also the leadership of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. We cannot afford to fail the country now."
Dr. Phillips, who is one of the contenders for leadership of the People's National Party (PNP), said the time has come for the country to rally behind one common agenda, where the spirit of bipartisanship can take precedence over political affiliation.
"There comes a time when we all have to rally behind the cause for nation building," he said. "The future of our country will depend on the contributions made by all of us ... Sometimes we have to put politics aside and do what is right for the future of our country."
