Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson today said Jamaica should seek to move forward from the celebratory atmosphere and confront the significant challenges that lie ahead.

But he has also charged that Members of Parliament must maintain contact with their constituents.

“We must not hide from the people,” said Patterson. “When we were seeking their votes, we went and looked for them, don’t let them have to come and look for us now.”

At the same time, Patterson says the current Government must now concentrate on economic development.

"Time for the merriment is over and we have to now face the harsh realities," Patterson said citing Jamaica's recent success at the Olympic Games in London as he addressed the 74th annual conference of the PNP at the National Arena.

He said Jamaica should press ahead with removing the Queen as Head of State, acceding to the CCJ in its appellate jurisdiction, and ensure the creation of economic growth for the country.

He also had words of encouragement for Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

"I know it is a very lonely road, I have been there," Patterson said.

At the same time, he said the PNP must continue to work on the ground.

"Make sure there is a little oil in the lamp to keep it burning," he charged.

"I want to warn: Now that we are in power we have to make sure that we don't do what the Labour Party did and become arrogant and distant from the people," Patterson said.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com