Damion Mitchell, News Coordinator - Radio
OFFICIALS OF the People's National Party (PNP) are insisting that the National Arena will be the venue for the party's special delegates' conference, slated for February 25, despite reports that the location had previously been booked by the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU).
"As far as I am aware, the venue has been finalised for the 25th," Colin Campbell, PNP deputy general secretary, told The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre yesterday.
NO SETTLEMENT
He also said he was unaware that the PNP would be meeting with the JBU today to broker an agreement for the National Arena to be used as the venue for the party's presidential election.
Desmon Brown, general manager of Independence Park, told The Gleaner yesterday that the parties would meet to discuss the concerns with regard to the venue.
JBU General Secretary, Karl Johnson, also said his organisation would be entering "responsible" discussions with PNP officials today to examine concerns relating to the venue. There were reports that the JBU had booked the Arena from February 25 to prepare for its annual general assembly the following day.
POSTPONEMENT UNLIKELY
In the meantime, Mr. Johnson said the postponement of its general assembly scheduled for February 26 is unlikely.
"Unless it's an act of God," he said.
The issue relating to the venue had been further compounded as the nearby National Stadium is scheduled to host the 2006 Gibson Relays on the day in question.
But yesterday Mr. Brown said the management of Independence Park is considering additional parking arrangements in the event the PNP leadership election is eventually held at the National Arena on February 25.
