Prince Cedza Dlamini Mandela, grandson of former South African President, Nelson Mandela, poses for the cameras with Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at Thursday night's opening of the People's National Party's 68th annual conference, held at the National Arena, Independence Park. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Prince Cedza Dlamini Mandela, emissary and spokesman for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and grandson of former South African President, Nelson Mandela, opened the 68th annual conference of the People's National Party (PNP) at the National Arena on Thursday with a call for young people to become involved in the political process.

Addressing hundreds of party supporters on day one of the PNP's four-day conference, Prince Mandela said that, with young people representing a significant percentage of the population, it was imperative that they play a major role in nation building.

Continue the fight

"We need to realise that it is important that we continue the fight (and) that we turn out for voting and just for basic participation in the political process," he said.

He encouraged the youth to exploit business opportunities in tourism, information technology and other entrepreneurial ventures.

Prince Mandela said Jamaica was not short of good role models who young people can emulate.

Meanwhile, Portia Simpson Miller, presiding over her first annual conference as party president, entered the Arena to a resounding applause from the crowd.

Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson also received a standing ovation from the audience.

The Emmanuel Apostolic Mass Choir gave renditions of The Lord is my Shepherd and Free, while Spirit of Elegance sang, This is My Land.