JDC Asserts Authority To Choose Questioners at Political Debates

The Jamaica Debates Commission says it makes the final decision on which journalists are selected to ask questions or be moderators in the national political debates.

Chairman of the Commission, Brian Schmidt, made the comment at a media conference on Tuesday.

His comment follows a statement from the PNP declaring it would not participate in the debates if any journalist from Nationwide News Network was listed among the questioners.

There’ve been calls for the JDC to abandon its approach of inviting the views of political parties about the pool of journalists being considered for the debate.

Meanwhile, Schmidt says in an attempt to allow time for more questions, the debates will abandon opening statements.

Brian Schmidt, Chairman of the Jamaica Debates Commission.

There will be three debates: on social issues, the economy and leadership.

Damion Crawford, Raymond Pryce and Sophia Fraser-Binns will form the team for the social issues debate.

While, Pearnel Charles Junior, Kamina Johnson Smith and Matthew Samuda will represent the JLP.

The social issues debate is set for Saturday, August 23.

For the economy debate, the PNP has selected its Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Julian Robinson as well as Peter Bunting and PNP treasurer Kisha Anderson.

The JLP has selected Finance Minister, Fayval Williams, as well as Dr. Christopher Tufton and Dr. Dana Morris Dixon.

The economy debate is set for Tuesday, August 26.

The leadership debate between Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader, Mark Golding will take place on Thursday, August 28.