With the clock ticking toward the September 3 general election, People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding is seeking to define the contest as more than a clash of parties — but as a national referendum on Jamaica’s direction.
At a major gathering in Sam Sharpe Square, Golding emphasized that his appeal stretches beyond traditional party lines. His call was not confined to PNP loyalists, but extended to undecided citizens and even to supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), signaling an attempt to broaden the PNP’s base at a critical moment.
Golding framed the choice as one between continuity and change, stressing that Jamaica’s international image and internal governance require recalibration. “This election,” he said, “is about restoring decency, and rebuilding a country others can once again view as a standard for the region.”
A Long Campaign Nears Its Climax
The event marked the close of a campaign that has spanned nearly two years. Golding’s remarks reflected both appreciation and determination, acknowledging the work of organizers while insisting the movement is gaining momentum at the right time.
He portrayed the PNP not simply as an alternative administration but as a corrective force — one promising to shift power away from insular interests and toward national priorities.
Accountability as a Defining Theme
Central to his message was a commitment to integrity in governance. Golding pledged that, under his leadership, state resources would be used strictly for public good rather than personal enrichment. He underscored transparency, accountability, and public service as the pillars of his proposed government.
An Appeal to the Nation’s Conscience
While his words carried partisan energy, Golding leaned on broader themes of moral renewal and civic responsibility. In his framing, the ballot on September 3 is not merely a procedural exercise but a chance for Jamaicans to “choose the kind of country they wish to inhabit.”
With the election days away, Golding has positioned the PNP as the party of reform, banking on a message of decency and responsibility to resonate with a weary electorate.
