ST ANDREW, Jamaica — Only a handful of Comrades turned out for the governing People’s National Party’s (PNP) gospel concert Saturday night at the party’s Old Hope Road headquarters in St Andrew.

This is in contrast to the turnout often seen at mass rallies staged across the island in recent times by the party.

The concert, scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm, got under way just before 9:00 pm.

It appears the PNP had prepared for a massive turnout as sections of Old Hope Road had been blocked off from as early as 2:00 pm to accommodate the setup of an elaborate stage. However, an underwhelming number of Comrades trickled in for the concert.

Party stalwarts present blamed poor planning and the busy Christmas season for the low turnout.

Meanwhile, education minister and PNP Member of Parliament for Kingston Central Rev Ronald Thwaites did the opening prayer, which was followed by an applaudable performance from gospel singer Omari. The singer in the same breath urged Comrades to “pray for the prime minister”.

Noted gospel act Jermaine Edwards is also among those expected to perform.

Party leader and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is expected to speak at the concert. PNP General Secretary Paul Burke confirmed this with OBSERVER ONLINE on Friday.

Kimone Francis