Deputy Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Desmond McKenzie is urging JLP supporters to remain steadfast in their commitment to the party and warning of the consequences of a return to People’s National Party (PNP) leadership.

“Labourites, we must never go back to the days that we are coming from. We must never allow PNP to take control of Jamaica again,” McKenzie said.

He paid tribute to former JLP leaders and the current Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, who have contributed to Jamaica’s progress. “The Jamaica Labour Party under Bustamante continued the struggle to free this country. Edward Seaga, Hugh Shearer, Donald Sangster, Bruce Golding, and ‘1 PM’ Andrew Holness have continued the struggle to free Jamaica. Let us never make the mistake of allowing those who never hold Jamaica in good esteem,” he added, stating that Jamaica is moving in the right direction.

McKenzie labelled the PNP as a threat to progress, framing the JLP as the protectors of Jamaica’s future. “Everything about Jamaica is good. The only thing that is bad for Jamaica is the People’s National Party.”

He turned his attention to local issues, claiming that the PNP had dismantled the economic potential of St Thomas. “St Thomas was designated as the industrial parish under Robert Lightbourne and the Jamaica Labour Party.”

He also cited the collapse of industries once thriving in the parish. “You used to manufacture lightbulbs in St Thomas – who mash up the lightbulb industry?… You had the largest Goodyear outlet in the world – who mashed up Goodyear?”

“And so tonight we are here in St Thomas, a parish that was prosperous under the Jamaica Labour Party. A parish that was mashed up by PNP… You had the first satellite station to be established here in St Thomas, who shut it down?” he cited, criticising the PNP’s leadership as unfit to run the country.

As the September 3 election draws near, McKenzie urged supporters to show their commitment through votes, not just cheers. “Let me remind Labourites that noise doesn’t win elections. Telling Andrew how much you love him can’t win elections. Votes are what matter, and every man and every woman here tonight must ensure that you vote on the 3rd of September and ensure that you put the X beside the bell for the Jamaica Labour Party,” McKenzie added while speaking to supporters at the JLP Parish Meeting on Sunday, August 17.

He closed with high praise for Holness, predicting a long and successful political future. “And so Labourites, we are in a festive mood because we know that the country has been safe in the hands of Andrew Holness. The country will be much safer in his hands for the third term.