HOPEWELL, Hanover — Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has praised supporters of the governing party saying that, unlike People’s National Party (PNP) adherents, Labourites are not fanatics who believe in following the leadership blindly.

“We are not that type,” Holness said at a JLP Hanover Eastern workers’ meeting and appreciation ceremony at Bethel Primary and Junior High School on Sunday.

He pointed to a recent PNP protest at National Heroes’ Circle in the Corporate Area at which a number of protesters were unable to clearly say why they were there and the issue against which the party was protesting when asked by a television reporter.

The PNP had called the mid-morning protest to push its call for a reversal of the appointment of chartered accountant Dennis Chung to head the Financial Investigations Division (FID).

But many of the protesters were unable to define the role of the FID and explain why Chung should not be given the job, despite the leadership of the PNP repeatedly stating their position in the days leading up to the demonstration.

An upbeat Holness hinted that this would not have been the case with JLP supporters who are empowered by the party’s leadership to discuss national issues.

“We come here to enlighten. We come here to educate. We come here to give you knowledge. We come here to empower you. We see you as the candles that will go back into the community and light the way for members of your community, the members of your family, your church, and the members of your school for them to see the great work that the Jamaica Labour Party has done,” argued Holness.

He also scoffed at claims by the PNP that it has to be active to hold his Administration accountable. He argued that the JLP is held to account by its supporters, who are honest and straightforward critics of the Government.

“That is the nature of the Jamaica Labour Party supporters. We really don’t need an Opposition, because our supporters hold us to account. In fact, our supporters are our staunch, constructive critics, and I have grown to understand and respect that about the party that I lead. So I listened carefully to what my workers are saying, because if they are not happy, they are not going to be silent,” declared Holness.

During the meeting, Holness and Hanover Eastern Member of Parliament (MP) Dave Brown handed out plaques to outstanding party workers who have contributed years of service to the constituency. Among the awardees was former MP Barrington Grey.