Local Government Elections set for February 26
Written by Super User
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, has announced that Local Government Elections are to be held on February 26.
Nomination Day will be February 8.
In an address at Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James on Thursday, the McKenzie said "the time has come" for our citizens to choose the next set of councillors to represent them at the local level.
"We of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) are confident that the majority of Jamaicans will continue to believe in the policies and the programmes of this great Jamaica Labour Party," declared McKenzie.
He said under the Andrew Holness-led Administration, local Government has been transformed.
"Nobody can question the competence, the commitment of this Andrew Holness-led Government in executing policies and programmes using local government as that vehicle of expression," added McKenzie.
Regardless of their political persuasions, McKenzie said all councillors island-wide have benefited from resources to assist citizens in relation to back-to-school for their children, or through funeral grants and building grants.
"What a Government cares for local government!" he suggested.
Local Government has also played a critical role in productivity, peace and prosperity in the nation, the minister stated, pointing to the country's municipal corporations raking in more than $1.5 trillion from approved building applications since 2016.
"I'm not here to tell you that we have accomplished all we want (in local government), but they (the Opposition People's National Party) cannot go on any platform, (or) on any debating stage, to challenge the performance of the Jamaica Labour Party when it comes on to local government," stated McKenzie.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said councillor-candidates have enough achievements to bring to the electorate as they seek their votes in the campaign.
"As you prepare to face an election, it is important to know that you are part of a bigger picture; a pixel in a beautiful tapestry that is going to be created for Jamaica. You are an important part of it," he told the party's municipal candidates.
He reiterated that his mission is still to move Jamaicans from poverty to prosperity, and that partnership for prosperity must incorporate local government, as well as stakeholders in the private sector and the church.
Joint $2 Million Pledge: Major Companies Commit $500,000 Each to CAFFE
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In a remarkable demonstration of unity and dedication to democratic principles, the Mayberry Foundation, Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), Stewarts Automotive Group, and WISYNCO have joined forces, collectively pledging an extraordinary sum of $2 million to amplify the endeavours of Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE).
Getting Ready: EOJ recruiting election workers
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There is every indication that the country is fast approaching a major national election, as the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) has indicated that it has started recruiting Election Day workers for upcoming and future elections and referenda.
Golding wants to cut all ties with Colonialism
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In a charged atmosphere on Sunday, People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding electrified the base of the opposition party, unrepentantly declaring his intent to push back hard against pressure from opponents as the organisation claws its way from the political wilderness.
Culture Minister Olivia "Babsy" Grange on Tuesday reprimanded Opposition Leader Mark Golding for his involvement in a slavery skit mounted at the People's National Party (PNP) St Andrew Southern constituency conference on Sunday, describing it as disrespectful of the country's ancestors and an affront to the entire nation.
Comrades, friends pour hearts out in tributes to Phillips
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It was a bittersweet send-off on Sunday for Dr Peter Phillips in the constituency of East Central St Andrew, which he has anchored for the past 29 years.
Dennis Meadows to be PNP candidate in Trelawny North for next election
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'My mind is not on elections,' says PM Holness
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In brushing aside speculation in recent weeks that an early general election or local government election could be on the horizon, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared that his focus is on ensuring that vulnerable Jamaicans start to feel the positive effects of the current economic stability.
'I hate politics!' says newly minted PNP MP aspirant for NE St Ann
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Former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) member turned People's National Party (PNP) member, Dr Ryan Simpson, has declared that that he hates politics because he believes local politicians have weaponised it to turn citizens against each other.
Boston Jerk Festival's Colin Bell to represent PNP in East Portland
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Businessman and promoter of the Boston Jerk Festival, Colin ‘Shaka Fame’ Bell, has been chosen as the standard-bearer for the People's National Party (PNP) in Portland Eastern in the next general election.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding is claiming that a revamped and refreshed People’s National Party (PNP) is becoming increasingly appealing to Jamaicans and that the party’s surge in favourability in its recently commissioned Don Anderson poll is a signal of that interest.
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The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) is ahead of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) by just over five percentage points, according to a PNP-commissioned Don Anderson poll, expanding its lead since the February polls.
The findings of the opinion poll, released Tuesday, indicated that 30.2 per cent of electors would mark their ballots for the PNP, while 25 per cent indicated a preference for the JLP.
The poll was conducted between June 8 and June 14 among 1,012 respondents. The margin of error was not revealed.
The voter intent for the PNP has increased by 2.1 per cent, when compared to 28.1 per cent who picked the political party in the last PNP-commissioned opinion poll in February 2023.
However, the voter intent for the JLP declined by 2.9 per cent as against the 27.9 per cent who sided with the JLP in the survey done in February.
The results of the June opinion poll relative to the party standings are in stark contrast to the poll findings of June 2022, which showed the JLP being the preferred choice of 34 per cent of those polled, while the PNP had received 18 per cent of the nod of those interviewed.
In another area canvassed in the latest Don Anderson poll, 47.6 per cent of respondents said the JLP-led Government does not deserve a second term, as opposed to 31.6 per cent who said they deserved another term.
Approximately 20.8 per cent of respondents were not sure.
Commenting on the latest poll findings, Opposition Leader and PNP President Mark Golding said he was encouraged by the results. However, he said the party would not be "complacent" as it continues its candidate selection exercise.
"It's a good day for us, where we enjoy a substantial lead outside of the margin of error," declared Golding, adding that the PNP's work on the ground continues.
Pryce: Voters turning from JLP but not flocking to PNP
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WHILE SUPPORT for Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration has declined, a former deputy general secretary of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has revealed that voters aren’t yet flocking to the PNP.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has charged that the outrage accompanying the recently announced salary increases for members of the political directorate has stemmed from the standard at which the electorate holds the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
Holness says he feels like giving up full salary due to 'lies'
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Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed frustration at what he described as the "lies" being spread that he has accepted his massive salary increase under the compensation review, although he has repeatedly said he has not done so.