Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters turned out in their numbers at Duke Street on Thursday, chanting, celebrating, and singing some of the party’s election campaign songs as their elected and selected legislators made their way to Gordon House for the opening of the new Parliament.

But while many voiced delight in the party’s victory for a third-consecutive term at the September 3 General Election and expressed hope for national progress, some cautioned against complacency, stressing that much more still needs to be done.

Claudette Dudley, who said she is a long-time JLP supporter more known as Junie, mixed optimism with caution. She explained that her decision to support the party dated back to a family experience years ago when her mother — then a staunch People’s National Party (PNP) supporter — sought assistance after an incident involving her eldest daughter but received none.

“From that, mi decide fi support the JLP,” she said.

Still, Dudley stressed that her loyalty is not without limits, pointing to the scars of political violence in her community.

“I love my party but I won’t put my life on the line for my party because they won’t do it for me. I did it already and I will never do it again,” she said.

While praising the JLP’s plans for young people, Dudley insisted that crime reduction must remain a top priority.

“One thing mi want dem do now and they been making this work, is to continue to control crime, because crime only reduce in some areas, not in all areas. Yes, maybe in some constituencies, but some places crime still there, so I want them to create more strategic plans to continue fighting crime,” she said.

Dudley also called for greater cooperation across party lines.

“One side alone can’t do it … it take the two side — the Opposition and the ruling party. Put everything aside now because we have to work together if we going to make Jamaica better; we nuh want any more fighting and cussing, we just want a better country,” she said with deep passion.

However, Dudley noted that her support for the JLP is grounded in her hopes for the next generation.

“Both parties have their ups and downs, but I choose the JLP because I have my children growing up and the future lies in their hands. Whatever they put out there as Government, I want it to benefit my children so them can have a better life,” she said.

Another supporter, who asked to not be named, spoke with passion about education and opportunity, and said her backing of the JLP is rooted in concern for the younger generation.

With four children and several grandchildren in school and university, she stressed that access to scholarships and jobs after graduation must remain a priority.

She argued that while many young people leave school with qualifications, very few pathways exist for them to build a sustainable future.

“When they leave university now, what is their next move? With eight subjects and four CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination)? What you going to do with that now? You going to come and sit on the sidewalk? The governing party promise to give the youth them future, so a it mi a wait on,” she said.

The supporter made clear that she does not want handouts, but real opportunities.

“Mi nuh want to have to come to you begging for a book or a money to send my children to school. The Government must set the foundation. I don’t want you give me the fish, I want you to teach me how to fish. I don’t vote for you to give me fish, I vote for you because I want a future for my kids,” she explained, urging the Government to keep its promises.

Pointing to the JLP’s manifesto, she said progress had been made but insisted more work lies ahead.

“If I choose the Jamaica Labour Party, I want to see what they have prepared for the kids — just the kids — because the kids are the future. I’ve already lived my life, so let’s see what the future holds for the next generation,” she added.

Other supporters expressed more optimism. Among them was Bryan West, who told the Jamaica Observer he was confident that the party would deliver on its promises.

“I know they will do more, that is why I support them. They will give us more. Crime is down and things will be more affordable. We just have to give them time because them have a plan,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the next five years will bring more progress for the country and asked for the Opposition “to work with Andrew” so things can be done quickly.

He also voiced disappointment at the slow pace of Jamaica’s constitutional reform process, but said he remains hopeful it will advance more swiftly over the next five years.

“You see this thing ‘bout [constitutional] reform, mi a hear bout it too long and I hope Mark [Golding] just work with Andrew so we can make some progress, and that is one of the things I am looking forward to in the House of Parliament because we cyah seh Independence and still under king,” he said.

The message was clear from these JLP supporters outside Gordon House (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Jubilant Jamaica Labour Party supporters greet Kingston Western Member of Parliament Desmond McKenzie outside Gordon House on Thursday.