Political forum back on
The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s political forum is definitely on at the Montego Bay Civic Centre today, although some of the candidates won’t make it.
The forum was originally planned for July 26.
The eight constituency representatives from the two major political parties, vying for parliamentary seats in St James had been expected to attend.
But the event was postponed on the eve of the debate because of what appeared to be improper planning on the part of the chamber.
Yesterday, president of the chamber, Pauline Reid, told the Observer West that in light of the nomination of independent candidate Royston Richards for East Central St James, a decision was taken to invite him to participate in the debate.
She added that Apollone Reid who was nominated on the National Democratic Movement’s (NDM’s) ticket was also invited to participate, but she had expressed doubts about attending, due to a previous engagement.
The JLP’s representative for South St James, Noel Donaldson, is also uncertain to be in attendance.
He told the Observer West last night that he is unlikely to attend, citing also a previous engagement, while his rival Derrick Kellier will be a no-show.
“Minister Kellier would like to be a part of the debate but because the Prime Minister (Portia Simpson Miller) is launching the party’s manifesto in Kingston at 5:00 pm on Thursday (today) he would not be able to get back in time,” said Calvin Brown, Kellier’s campaign manager.
Kellier is a vice-president of the PNP.
The other candidates- Dr Horace Chang (JLP), Henry McCurdy (PNP), (North West St James); Donald Colomathi (PNP), Ed Bartlett (JLP), East Central St James; Clive Mullings (JLP) and Francis Tulloch (PNP), West Central St James – have all indicated that they will be in attendance at today’s forum.
The forum, the chamber said, is being staged to bring an increased level of civility and informed reasoning amongst voters and is aimed at giving the respective political candidates an opportunity to enlighten the people as to their visions and plans.
