JLP kicks off election bid today

Patterson, left, and Seaga

Denise Clarke, Staff Reporter

WESTERN BUREAU:

THE Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will kick off its election campaign today with a mass rally at Independence Park in Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland.

JLP Leader, Edward Seaga, is scheduled to introduce three of the party's candidates who will contest the next general election, which, according to him, could be called within two or three months.

The candidates, attorneys Don Foote, Trevor Brooks and Patrick Atkinson, will go up against top brass People's National Party (PNP) Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, Minister of Water and Housing, Dr. Karl Blythe, and State Minister for Tourism, Dr. Wykeham McNeil.

JLP officials are especially upbeat about Mr. Foote, who will be challenging the Prime Minister for the Eastern Westmoreland seat. Mr. Brooks will go up against Dr. Blythe for the Central Westmoreland seat, while Patrick Atkinson will run against Dr. McNeil in Western Westmoreland.

Last month the PNP launched its election campaign, dubbed "Solid Achievements", which included a presentation of the party's work since 1997.

The PNP has also stepped up its activities in western Jamaica in recent weeks, with Dr. Blythe launching a series of "Link-Up" meetings in St. James, Westmoreland and Hanover, to address water and housing issues. Dr. Blythe also held a face-to-face meeting with his constituents last Thursday.

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