PNP rallies supporters in Kingston, vows march to election victory

Jamaica’s Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) rolled into Cross Roads, St Andrew, on Saturday evening with a parish meeting that drew thousands of supporters and fiery speeches from its leadership team, declaring that “time come” for the party’s return to government.

Among the early speakers was Joseph “Bunny” Witter, the PNP’s perennial candidate for Kingston Western, who told supporters that the constituency needed “a change.” Witter, who is once again challenging the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Desmond McKenzie, promised more educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for residents, saying he wanted to help build generational wealth in one of the country’s most politically symbolic constituencies.

PNP President and Opposition Leader Mark Golding took direct aim at the governing JLP, dismissing criticisms that his party’s newly launched “Jamaica Love” manifesto was created by artificial intelligence. “There is no artificial intelligence in that manifesto. It’s real intelligence in the manifesto and it’s a pathway to give a better life to Jamaica,” Golding declared. He said the document came out of a series of shadow cabinet retreats, policy debates, and his own edits.

Golding also announced major campaign promises, including a “first in family” scholarship programme to help break intergenerational poverty and the construction of 50,000 affordable homes in the PNP’s first term if elected. He further pledged to restore the National Housing Trust (NHT) to what he described as its original purpose envisioned by former Prime Minister Michael Manley.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson used the rally to directly address the wage dispute between the Government and teachers. He blasted the administration’s latest offer of a three-year deal that includes no increase in the first year and only 2.5 per cent in the following two years, calling it “an insult” to educators who he said have sacrificed for the nation.

Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson

On Friday, the negotiating team representing the Jamaica Teachers’ Association walked out of talks with Finance Minister Fayval Williams after rejecting what they described as an “untenable” offer of zero per cent in the first year.

Robinson argued that teachers deserved more than “zero per cent” and promised that under a PNP government, their concerns would be taken seriously. “The People’s National Party will treat you with dignity and respect. You won’t need to threaten strike action to get a meeting with me. You won’t need to become restive just to ensure your voice is heard,” he assured, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

For PNP supporters, Saturday’s rally was billed as the opening act of their “march to victory,” with some vowing that by 1 p.m. on September 3, they will be celebrating a return to government.