Charles
IN A show of unity, new Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Bruce Golding yesterday extended the 'olive branch' to Pearnel Charles, his erstwhile challenger to lead the party.
It was Mr. Charles' injunction filed in the Supreme Court days before the party's annual conference last Novem-ber that resulted in its cancellation.
At the centre of Mr. Charles' complaint was what he regarded as a flawed delegates' list that was to have been used to select the party leadership.
But while admitting yesterday that the party last year had to endure 'trying circumstances' and 'unpleasant episodes', Mr. Golding urged delegates to put all these behind them so the JLP can move forward "as a united party with a united team".
"Pearnel's service to this party can never be questioned, and the contribution he can make to the success of the party must never be disregarded," the new JLP leader stated.
"Today, I want to advise conference that Pearnel Charles will be an integral part of the team I will lead to secure victory for the party and real progress for Jamaica."
Earlier, Mr. Charles was given the opportunity to make a special presentation to the conference. Accompanied by one of his sons, Mr. Charles stated that the conference presented a special opportunity for the JLP to show Jamaica it was serious about forming the next government.
"For our nation to move forward, visionary leadership is a must at all levels to address the surmountable problems affecting our nation," he remarked. "We need to move away from the self-serving, antiquated and ignorant framework of problem-solving that has been ineffective."
- O.A.
