JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) supporters on Sunday came away from the party's 65th annual conference at the National Arena confident that despite a bumpy start, their party led by Prime Minister Bruce Golding would be able to address the woes in the economy.

Party supporters who came out in their hundreds said that despite the downturn in the economy and the rise in crime and other problems facing the country, they were satisfied with the job that their party has done in the first year of its administration.

"I truly believe the first year for the JLP was a rough year," said Arthur Douglas a supporter from Kingston.

Douglas said he was, however, confident - based on what he has seen - that things would improve.

"Of course, we have had so many storms. With all what is happening in the economy and with what has happened with food and oil prices, this Government has been able to still stand up strong; the People's National Party (PNP) can't see back government," Emanuel Grayson, a spokesperson for a group of supporters from Clarendon said.

His views were supported by scores of other supporters.
"After 18 years under the PNP is only fair we give the JLP a chance to see what they can do. One year is too soon based on the circumstances and hurdles the party has faced," Alicia Sammond, spokesperson for another group of supporters from St Mary said.

The JLP, since taking over the Government, has been criticised for not doing enough to address problems in the society - among them problems with jobs and the rise in food prices.

The party has, however, countered that argument, saying that they inherited the Government with a number of problems which they have had to use the past year working to address.

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