Opposition Leader Mark Golding spent the afternoon at the University of the West Indies, Mona, joining incoming students at Orientation Village.

He was joined by Senators Cleveland Tomlinson, Allan Bernard and Maziki Thame, Member of Parliament Isat Buchanan, and Peta-Gay Ferguson, General Secretary of the PNP Youth Organisation. Together, they moved through the crowd speaking with students directly, sharing ideas and asking what they hope for themselves and for their country, the People’s National Party (PNP) stated in a press release.

The visit forms part of the PNP’s ongoing effort to engage and talk with young Jamaicans directly, rather than about them. Golding met students from across the faculties, hearing first hand about their ambitions, their concerns about opportunity, and their vision for Jamaica’s future.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding listens attentitively to an incoming University of the West Indies, Mona, student at Orientation Village.

“I came to UWI today to listen to young people, not to speak at them,” said Golding. “Every conversation reminded me why representation matters. These students have real concerns and also extraordinary ideas for Jamaica, and they deserve leaders who take them seriously.”

“Our youth are not disinterested,” he added. “They want to be heard. They are ready to participate as partners in building the kind of country they want to live in. That is the kind of politics the People’s National Party is committed to.”

Golding said the exchange would help shape the party’s ongoing work on youth opportunity, education and economic inclusion ahead of the PNP’s 88th Annual Conference in September.

He thanked the UWI Visions for extending the invitation and encouraged those on campus to stop by their boot.

Golding also extended congratulations to the Guild of Students and the Orientation Village organisers for the wonderful job they have done in setting up the Orientation Village (Tent City).