THE 2025 political debates culminate tonight in what is expected to be a mouth-watering clash between Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, and People’s National Party (PNP) president, Opposition Leader Mark Golding.

With just six days to go before Jamaicans head to the polls on September 3, this is the last opportunity in this format for the parties to sway undecided voters in this high-stakes election.

After two appetisers which pitted PNP and JLP teams in debates on social issues and the economy, it is time for the leaders to take centre stage. And they will be all alone — no team member to prop up anyone who falters on stage.

In interviews with the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday, both camps declared their leader ready.

“The prime minister and Jamaica Labour Party leader is very confident heading into the debate. As you might have heard, based on his interviews and public interactions over many years, he is generally prepared to debate anyone on national issues,” said Abka Fitz-Henley, chairman of the JLP’s Communication Taskforce.

“A part of that confidence is based on the fact that his Administration has put in the work, reduced poverty levels to a record low, unemployment levels are at a record low as well, doubled the minimum wage, cut income tax several times, and a number of measures that show care for the people of Jamaica,” added Fitz-Henley.

“Despite the wild promises of the Opposition, the prime minister is confident in the perceptiveness of the people of Jamaica and that they will make the right choice and give the Jamaica Labour Party a third term in office to continue our work, which also includes a major reduction in murders, down by over 40 per cent when compared to last year”.

For his part, Colin Campbell, the PNP representative to the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC), told the
Observer that Golding spent the last two days in preparation and is ready for the debate.

“I think he will deliver a good performance,” said Campbell as he pointed out that on the eve of the social issues debate last Saturday Golding took time out from campaigning to prepare for tonight’s clash.

“It’s customary that leaders take a day or two off the hustings and focus on the debate — both substance and style. I’m very confident in him. He is a lawyer by training and lawyers usually have the advocacy, so let’s see,” Campbell said.

There have been mixed views among Jamaicans as to which party won the first two debates — the social issues debate, which took place on August 23 and the debate on the economy which took place on Tuesday night. Both Golding and Holness will want to close on a strong note.

Tonight’s debate will be moderated by Archibald Gordon. The questioners are Dionne Jackson-Miller and Giovanni Dennis. Amoy Harriott will be the social media editor.

The public can send questions to #Jamaicadebates2025 and #Jamaicadecides2025.

The JDC has proposed that questions for the leadership debate could include: the vision for Jamaicans at home and abroad; climate resilience and environment; integrated development planning; and governance, including constitutional reform.

HOLNESS… generally prepared to debate anyone on national issues

GOLDING… took time out from campaigning to prepare for tonight’s debate