Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator 
Karl Samuda (right), general secretary of the Jamaica Labour Party, speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the JLP's Belmont Road, New Kingston headquarters yesterday, while Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie looks on. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
WITH TALK of an imminent national vote, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has oiled its election machinery and is set to hit the road next Wednesday to start its national campaign with a five-day tour of major towns across the island, excluding Kingston and St. Andrew.
Bolstered by internal polls showing the party ahead of the ruling People's National Party (PNP), a confident JLP general secretary Karl Samuda has challenged Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to "put some action where her mouth is" and call the general election.
"Bring it on Prime Minister any time you are ready, we are ready for you," Mr. Samuda said during a press conference at the JLP's Belmont Road, New Kingston headquarters yesterday. "Let's not just hear talk about all this wonderful popularity and this five-term thing that we hear you preaching all over the country, but the only way you can manifest that hope into reality is to hold an election."
He said the tour would take on a carnival flavour with Opposition Leader Bruce Golding introducing the team of JLP candidates in major towns across the country.
The party will start its tour at Harbour View in Kingston and will hold public meetings at Annotto Bay in St. Mary; Granville in Montego Bay, St. James; Black River in St. Elizabeth; Palmers Cross in Clarendon and Munamar Square in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN
Public relations consultant Neville James will spearhead a comprehensive advertising and public relations campaign, for the party, which is set to begin soon.
Mr. Samuda refused to disclose how much it would cost to run the campaign but suggested it was a very expensive exercise. He noted that the party is receiving funding from a mix of contributors including businessmen and ordinary Jamaicans.
