SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — Persistent showers of rain failed to dampen spirits at the People’s National Party’s (PNP) historic 88th Annual Conference on Sunday, as thousands gathered at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar. Marking a significant departure from tradition, this year’s staging is the first time in the party’s history that the national conference is being hosted outside of Kingston.

​Under the theme, “We Put People First,” the PNP intentionally chose Westmoreland as the host venue, a symbolic decision to stand in solidarity with the parish most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

​Despite the torrential downpours that began around 3:30 pm, the atmosphere remained buzzing. Hundreds of vendors lined the venue, erecting makeshift stalls on the perimeter while walking vendors maneuvered through the dense crowds inside and outside the park.

​Entrepreneurial vendors, anticipating the bad weather, quickly capitalizsed on the changing conditions. Rain cloaks and umbrellas became the day’s hottest commodities, though not without controversy. Some vendors raised umbrella prices up to $1,000, drawing sharp criticism from drenched patrons who openly accused the sellers of “making poor people suffer just like the prime minister.”

​As each heavy wave of rain battered the open-air venue, concerns mounted among attendees over whether the historic gathering would be washed out, how long the programme could persist, or if key proceedings would be curtailed.

​As of publication time, party leader Mark Golding had not yet arrived at the venue, leaving patrons sheltering under umbrellas and awnings, anxiously awaiting his keynote address and wondering if the weather will hold for the remainder of the historic event.