Portia: Election will not affect business of Government

Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says the people's business will not suffer as a result of the campaign for the March 26 local government election.

Prime Minister Simpson Miller announced the date of the election today during a press conference at Jamaica House.

She also announced that Nomination Day will be on March 5.

"It is not going to be a shutdown of government for campaigning. But I could never be Prime Minister, and leader of the party, and not be on the road as well with other colleagues, giving support to local government candidates," the Simpson Miller said.

The Prime Minister said she will be on the campaign trail but is moving to assure the nation that members of her Government will not be careless.

"We came to power on the theme ‘People Power’ and we are serious about people power. So we will do nothing that will jeopardise the interest of the Jamaican people," Simpson Miller said.

She told journalists: "I am sure that every division would love to see Portia touring with them, I will not be able to go into all the divisions but I can assure you, the work of the government will continue."

In the meantime, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) General Secretary says the party has activated all its national committees including its campaign committee.

Franklin says the committees will be meeting soon to discuss critical matters as the labour party prepares to contest the polls.

He added that most of the party’s candidates are in place and will be announced shortly

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com