- IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Opposition Leader Bruce Golding (left) gets a kiss from former Member of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew, Joan Gordon-Webley during the party's annual conference at the National Arena yesterday.
Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
BRUCE GOLDING, West Kingston Member of Parliament (MP), was yesterday returned unopposed as Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Leader. The election was held on the first day of the JLP's annual conference at the National Arena in Kingston.
Mr. Golding's four deputies, Derrick Smith, in charge of Area Council One; James Robertson, in charge of Area Council Two; Audley Shaw, in charge of Area Council Three and Dr. Horace Chang, in charge of Area Council Four, were all returned unopposed.
Delivering his report, general secretary Karl Samuda, said the JLP was poised to seriously challenge the governing People's National Party (PNP) at the next poll.
"Today, I speak to you against the background of a party that is vibrant, united and full of
energy," he said.
Mr. Samuda said the party's islandwide organisation was proceeding smoothly. He reminded delegates that in order for the JLP to wrest power from the PNP, each constituency must, among other things, be fully staffed and have a current canvass to determine the JLP's strength in the constituency.
He added that there must also be committees to enumerate young prospective voters, and an active constituency executive.
Meanwhile, the four deputy leaders yesterday reported on their respective area councils. Presentations were also expected from several JLP affiliates, including Generation 2000, the party's young professional arm.
Mr. Golding is expected to address today's public session of the conference at 2:30 p.m.
