KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) parliamentary group has outlined a series of urgent national issues it will prioritise ahead of the party’s 88th Anniversary Conference, including back-to-school preparations, the rising cost of living, drought conditions, the Government’s response to Hurricane Melissa, and poor infrastructure.

In a statement issued Monday, the PNP said its parliamentary group met over two days to assess key challenges facing Jamaicans and reached agreement on several areas requiring immediate focus.

The group said its elected representatives and party workers have been tasked with focusing on the work programme outlined by the party’s Secretariat and approved by the National Executive Council (NEC).

It also reaffirmed its commitment to the party’s democratic processes and constitution, while indicating that its political activities will focus on preparations for the impending Local Government Election and strengthening its representation in Parliament.

The group, under the leadership of Opposition Leader Mark Golding, also confirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong and unified party focused on “building a better Jamaica that puts people first”.

“Members of Parliament and party workers across the island are now tasked with driving forward the work programme set by the Secretariat and endorsed by the National Executive Council,” said Opposition Spokesman on Parliamentary Business Phillip Paulwell.

“This is about translating the concerns raised on the ground, whether it is getting children back to school, the price of a market basket or the state of a rural road, into consistent, organised representation,” he added.