by Linda Straker
- Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica addressed rally to celebrate NNP 40th anniversary
- Holness pointed to practice of respect for democracy as main principle of NNP
- NNP convention scheduled for 15 December
Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness told supporters and faithful of the New National Party (NNP) that Political Leader Dr Keith Mitchell wants to leave a strong foundation on which others can build as he gets ready to hand over the leadership.
Addressing a rally on Sunday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the NNP, Holness said that Dr Mitchell said he must ensure that the core principles and ideals on which the NNP was formed continue to be its guiding principle for the future. “I can tell you from speaking with your leader that this is not about him, this is not about his personal legacy what he wants is to leave a strong foundation for the political party that he loves so much,” said Holness, who explained that his Jamaica Labour Party has similar principles and ideals as the NNP because they are sister parties. “When your party was being formed, the Right Honourable Edward Phillip George Seaga was a critical part of the support and formation of the party and indeed since then the Jamaica Labour Party and the NNP have been very close,” he said.
The party has scheduled 15 December for its convention, and the main outcome is a change of party leadership. Dr Mitchell has held the leadership since 1989, and over the past weeks, told supporters that sooner rather than later the party will have new leadership.
Holness told the hundreds who gathered for the rally at the Beausejour Playing Field that the time has come for the party to put their face to the future and prepare for the next 40 years, because its sojourn in the wilderness will be short.
“And so, your party leader as he casts his eyes to the future and he looks at what will be the NNP in the next 40 years, he wants to be sure that these core principles will be solidly maintained. That you the faithful and loyal supporters of the party will always see your values and principles reflected in the party that you have supported for the last 40 years,” said Holness. “Your leader wants to ensure that the next generation of Grenadians will benefit from the very principles that have founded the party.” Holness pointed to the practice of respect for democracy as the main principle of the NNP.
Holness told the rally that the political party is an asset for all and those who support it will benefit from the political party they must protect. “All of you must work and continue to work even harder for your party,” he said, reminding the gathering that the hard work they put in to keep the party together can only materialise into benefits when they hold the government. “And to hold the government you must be prepared at all times for when the people call on you. The political organisation must never suffer because you are not in Government or because you are involved in a process of transitioning. Always ensure that your political machinery is ready,” he advised.
