KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Communication Taskforce Chairman Abka Fitz-Henley has tasked members of the party’s young professional affiliate group, Generation 2000 (G2K),to play an active role in explaining to Jamaicans the current budget which he notes is being debated in Parliament at a challenging time for the nation.

“The budget comes at a time when Melissa has wiped out over 50 per cent of GDP and there are major challenges around the world which will impact the global economy,” Fitz-Henley said.

“Now is the time for G2K not to be boastful in its utterances but to be sensitive to the plight facing sections of our population, even as we explain the budget which has been carefully assembled and is now being debated,” he added.

The JLP spokesman was addressing the Generation 2000 Portmore Chapter at the Youth Innovation Centre in Edgewater on the weekend.

Fitz-Henley said it is crucial that in communicating to the people that G2K is not be distracted by what he described as the antics of the Opposition.

“Quite frankly, the Opposition is in a state where when you observe them, it is obvious they are still in shock and have not come to terms with the fact that they lost the election,” he said

Fitz-Henley added “Some of them before the election were making active preparation to access the spoils of political office, because that is how they think and that is why they are desperate for power.”

In the meantime, he also urged G2K members to remain focused on assisting the JLP to communicate steps being taken to transform Jamaican lives while playing their part in ensuring that the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie, which he says assisted in sustaining the island after Hurricane Melissa, is extended and becomes the norm across society.

“As I toured sections of Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa, I was heartened by the spirit of camaraderie which prevailed, the communal vibe, where those who could help were assisting their neighbours in a time of major disaster,” Fitz-Henñey said.

He added, “It is important as a society that we do what we can to ensure that this level of camaraderie which assisted us in navigating the crisis is extended.”