Durrant Pate/Contributor

Rev Al Miller’s new Jamaica First Movement (JFM) and the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) have amicably dissolved their political alliance, which was to be carried through to the September 3 general election.

With just over a week to go for the national polls, both parties have decided to call it quits on the alliance on the grounds of differing views regarding the structure and vision of a government of national unity, which the JFM has been championing, citing this as its raison d’être, meaning reason for existing.

Notwithstanding the parting of ways, JFM continues to stand firmly on the principle of governance through national unity, for one five-year term only.  The decision to dissolve the alliance follows a series of recent respectful and candid discussions between both parties. 

Both political organisations acknowledge the sincere efforts made by their teams throughout this collaboration. 

Parting ways with mutual respect 

In a statement announcing the move, JFM said, “With this realignment, we part ways with mutual respect and a shared desire to serve Jamaica—each in accordance with its own convictions and commitments. We thank the Jamaican public for their continued trust and support as we move forward with clarity and purpose.”

The JFM insists, “We will support, endorse, and work with individuals or groups, who are aligned with this purpose: to transform and build the new Jamaica. We remain a movement of bold advocacy, fighting injustice, defending the poor, resisting the erosion of family and values, and opposing any action that undermines the ‘Jamaica First’ position.” JPP, in turn, maintains its own humanitarian form of government committed to righteousness, integrity, and accountability.

Speaking with OurToday, Rev Al Miller advises, “While we entered this partnership with shared hopes for national transformation, we have come to recognise that our foundational principles—particularly regarding the structure and vision for a government of national unity—were not as fully aligned as initially understood and have since revealed substantive differences that were not apparent at the outset.

Last 2 days been the most painful in my life

Speaking to his Fellowship Tabernacle gathering on Sunday, the popular clergyman and televangelist said: “The last 2 days have been most painful in my life….. It’s painful for me to see where religious concern becomes so ingrained that it kills Kingdom advancement.” He called on his congregation to “pray for our country. My heart is heavy but excited because God has something else in the pipeline, so we just watch what that is.”

He also told the congregation after yesterday’s sermon that the movement will be supporting some of its members that will be contesting the elections under the JPP ticket in battleground constituencies like East Rural St, Andrew, currently held by the wife of the Prime Minister, Juliet Holness and West Portland, where the incumbent is Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Daryl Vaz.

“We have people running and will support them, and if they enter the parliament, they will serve the lord well,” he reasoned with the congregation, who also prayed for the man of God in his pursuit to build a better Jamaica for one and all while “Building Nation Changers”.