JLP sticking to planned timeline for manifesto release – Johnson Smith
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Manifesto and Achievements Committee, Kamina Johnson Smith says the party’s manifesto is complete and will be launched “in sufficient time for it to be ventilated prior to the September 3rd general election.”
She made the statement in a release on Tuesday amid reports that the People’s National Party (PNP) will be sharing its manifesto with the public in short order.
READ: Campbell says PNP to unveil manifesto shortly, suggests election date
“We look forward with interest to see what makes it into print, because of course the announcements that they have been making thus far have not only failed to inspire the people of Jamaica, but have maybe required more thinking, because they have required clarification upon clarification, or have demonstrated a clear disconnect from what it takes to cost and fund a budget in today’s world. We are confident in the manifesto that we will put forward,” Johnson Smith said, adding “We are not looking to them for inspiration.”
Johnson Smith said the JLP would not move up its timeline to launch its own manifesto in response to the PNP’s reportedly imminent release of its own document.
“We will launch it in the time that we had planned to launch it, and it is complete, policies are settled, and we look forward to taking the opportunity to engage with the people of Jamaica on the manifesto, and we’ll do so in sufficient time for it to be ventilated prior to the September 3rd [general election] date,” she said.
Johnson Smith maintained that the party was hoping to build on the work it had already put in place.
“I want to make the point that, you know, our policy-making approach is undoubtedly completely different from theirs. Our approach is one that has built on and seeks to build on the nine years of work, of strategy, of planning, of achievements, and about taking things to another level. It’s about making sure that we make the biggest impact possible based on the foundation that we have already laid,” she said.
The JLP will seek a third consecutive term in office at the polls on September 3, while the PNP is hoping to return to Jamaica House after more than nine years in Opposition.
