50,000 people attend 75th JLP Conference
PM Holness was buoyed by a sea of green that greeted him as he arrived on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at the National Arena. The venue was ordered closed at 12 noon with 70% of supporters being shut out. The National stadium had to be opened to house overflow. The stadium holds 36,000 persons. The balconies and floor were filled to capacity with over 20, 000 supporters, members of the diplomatic Corp, media and overseas guests.
Indigent Housing
Highlights of the PM’s address to thousands of cheering supporters as the labour party celebrated 75 years of unbroken service to the Jamaican political scene. Some 500 million Jamaican dollars will be used to provide housing for the poorest of poor in our society.
Stalwarts Honoured
Four stalwarts who have served the party for 40 years and over were honoured at Conference. Mrs. Collins, and a 96 year old Male labourite were among the honorees.
Infrastructure Projects
Further developments of a concrete nature like Vernon field Aerodrome, Williams field Highway extension, and the Kingston to Port Antonio Highway road Construction were announced or confirmed.
Shelter For Battered Women
‘Babsy” Grange was at her best as she announced a guesthouse/shelter for abused women who are running away from abusive or domestic violence. Vision will supply further details on this initiative by Grange. “No excuse for abuse” is the campaign slogan to improve public education and improve family relations.
Economy
Holness was speaking with the backdrop of a growing Jamaican economy with unemployment at 8.2% the lowest in the history of Jamaica. Crime down 22% when compared with 2017 year to date. Tourism has growth of 3 million visitors and NIR of 2.9 billion US dollars in reserves in Foreign exchange. Inflation down to 4% … within target set by Bank of Jamaica.
Holness commended conference chairman Desmond McKenzie for a job well done. Audley Shaw and Rudyard Spencer also spoke and were well received. Overseas guests from Dominica, Grenada, etc. also spoke.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie, SIC & photojournalist was there and filed this report with photo images for Vision Newspaper Canada
