By Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer 
Dr. Peter Phillips, vice- president of the People's National Party (PNP),
having a discussion with family members from left, Tsahai Phillips, Jacob Phillips, Michelle Phillips, Michael Phillips and Mrs. Sandra Phillips, at the Community Projects Competition Awards in conjunction with the
official launching of his campaign to succeed P.J. Patterson as party leader and prime minister. The function was held last night at the Little Theatre, St. Andrew. - Carlington Wilmot/Freelance Photographer
FLANKED BY family members and cheered on by scores of enthusiastic supporters, Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips last night officially declared his candidacy to succeed P.J. Patterson as party leader and prime minister.
Speaking before a standing room only crowd at the Little Theatre in St. Andrew, Dr. Phillips, who is also a vice-president of the People's National Party (PNP), told supporters that while the position was not yet vacant, they shouldn't allow themselves to be caught flat-footed.
"Whenever the trumpet sounds and the post becomes vacant, I will be a candidate for the presidency of the People's National Party," he said to thunderous applause from the gathering, which also spilled over into the courtyard.
GET READY FOR ACTION
"In the meantime, those of us who are seized with the urgency of the present political situation, get ready for action...make sure yu hold yu corner and spread the word...for that time is coming."
The national security minister joins Dr. Omar Davies, finance minister and Region Three chairman as the contenders to have so far officially launch their presidential bids. Another leading contender, Minister of Local Government and PNP vice-president Portia Simpson Miller, has yet to officially launched her campaign.
Dr. Phillips, who has been national security minister since 2001, last night also sought to deflect overall blame for the spiralling crime rate which some pundits feel could affect his standing with party delegates.
"When Prime Minister P.J. Patterson asked me to take on the ministry of national security, it was generally conceded that this was the most challenging portfolio," said the minister, adding that crime and violence had by then become the major obstacles to national development.
"This was not a job I applied for," Dr. Phillips stated, "but as a team player, I accepted the challenge and have since devoted myself assiduously to the task. I know then and now that there is no quick fix."
Last year, Jamaica recorded 1,469 murders, and with 13 days gone into the new year, more than 40 persons have already been murdered.
Among the PNP MPs present were Dr. Paul Robertson, Maxine Henry-Wilson, John Junor, Harry Douglas, Dr. Morais Guy, Victor Cummings, Aloun Assamba, Lenworth Blake, Dr. Donald Rhodd, Phillip Paulwell and Horace Dalley. Among the PNP senators present were Dr. Trevor Munroe, Navel Clarke, Norman Grant and Kern Spencer.
