The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was on Thursday still unable to say when it will publish its manifesto, despite less than a month remaining before the September 3 General Election.

“Our manifesto is ready and will be launched at an appropriate time and, therefore, the country and the voters will have a basis to compare and contrast. A lot of work went into it. Lots of consultation took place and we are going to do it orderly, professionally, and demonstrate the future direction under the Andrew Holness-led Administration,” Campaign Chairman Dr Christopher Tufton said at a press briefing at JLP headquarters on Belmont Road in St Andrew.

“We do notice that the People’s National Party rolled out a document it has termed [its] manifesto and we want to spend a little time today to comment on aspects of that document,” Tufton said.

“This organisation is not pursuing the strategy that the PNP is pursuing. It is their right. They can do whatever they want. If they want to put out an AI-generated, cut-and-paste document, it is their business. For me, it is an insult to the people of Jamaica and the intelligence of the people of Jamaica.

“Our people naturally know what we have done, but some have to be reminded. This issue of timing is based on our approach. It is the right approach from an understanding perspective and nobody is going to force us because they are putting out something. We will put out our manifesto in short order,” Tufton said.

Asked to say if the JLP is focusing its campaign on specific seats, Tufton told the Jamaica Observer that the party will field 63 candidates who are all worthy of becoming Members of Parliament.

“We are prepared, therefore, not to count out anyone or any of our candidates. At this point we are not prepared to say we are getting 35, 40, or 50 seats. Our position is to field our candidates and to work hard with them to ensure they do their best and that the party is re-elected,” he said.

“Every constituency, including mine, comes with particular challenges. I won by over 4,000 votes the last time. One may argue that maybe you are comfortable; I don’t look at it that way. I look at it as not being complacent, not taking the people for granted and doing to work,” Tufton said.