Build the nation and forget elections — PJ

BY HORACE HINES Observer West reporter

Thursday, February 09, 2012

ROUND HILL, Hanover - Former Prime Minister of Jamaica PJ Patterson is urging Jamaicans of varying political persuasions to join hands to push the nation further along the path of progress and development and to forget about the December 29 polls.

"I really hope particularly at this time, that irrespective of whatever positions people might have taken in the last elections, and however they might have chosen to exercise their democratic right, there is a recognition that the time has come when all of us have to work together to take our nation upward and forward," Patterson argued.

He was speaking last Saturday evening at the Round Hill Hotel, Hanover, during a banquet hosted in his honour by the People's National Party (PNP's) Region Six for his outstanding service to the PNP, Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Patterson who served as party leader and prime minister of Jamaica for 14 consecutive years, expressed his enthusiasm at the banquet and noted that in 1938 when the PNP was founded, Norman Manley insisted that it should be a "people party" and "it should be a national party".

"He (Manley) explained as his reason, the need to create a party where all persons, irrespective of class, gender, economic circumstances or age, could work together, so long as they were committed to the building of the nation, Jamaica. And that purpose still needs to inform everything that we do," he argued.

He was however quick to explain that he should not be misrepresented as articulating that the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) "has done nothing to advance the country over the period".

" What I am saying, however, is now that we have the responsibility of this country once again — as we celebrate our 50th year — let us accept the elections are behind us and the nation must move forward in unity and in strength to achieve our purpose," he appealed.

In the December 29 polls the PNP won 42 of the 63 parliamentary seats.

Saturday's function was attended by supporters from the two major political parties, as well as members of the business community and civic organisations.

Among the speakers were Portia Simpson Miller and Kenny Anthony, prime ministers of Jamaica and St Lucia, respectively.

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Build the nation and forget elections — PJ