The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is set to launch its 2025 election manifesto, titled “I Choose Jamaica: The Next Chapter,” through a significant mass rally in Montego Bay’s Sam Sharpe Square on Sunday, August 24. This strategic decision marks the first time a JLP manifesto launch has been held outside the capital, Kingston, signalling a move to engage with a wider segment of the Jamaican populace. However, the party’s approach has already drawn sharp criticism from the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), particularly concerning the timing and nature of the unveiling.
JLP Unveils “I Choose Jamaica: The Next Chapter” in Montego Bay
Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Chairman of the JLP’s Manifesto and Achievements Committee, announced the details of the launch, emphasizing the party’s commitment to bringing its policies directly to the people. The rally, scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM, will serve as the platform for presenting the party’s vision for Jamaica’s future. This event comes as Jamaicans prepare to go to the polls for the general election on September 3, 2025, following Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s announcement of the election date and Nomination Day on August 18.
The JLP has also upgraded its website, featuring an interactive map that highlights the party’s past achievements across various parishes, aiming to showcase its track record of delivery and governance. This initiative is part of the party’s broader campaign strategy, which has largely focused on its performance over the past few years.
Opposition’s Strong Criticism
The People’s National Party (PNP) has voiced significant objections to the JLP’s chosen method and timing for its manifesto launch. PNP campaign spokespersons Donna Scott-Mottley and Cleveland Tomlinson have been vocal critics, arguing that the mass rally approach in Montego Bay prioritizes party supporters over the broader electorate.
Scott-Mottley stated that the manifesto appears to be “for the people of Jamaica. But a manifesto which is to be delivered to their supporters at a mass rally,” suggesting it reflects a partisan approach rather than a comprehensive plan for all Jamaicans. Tomlinson further criticized the JLP’s timing, noting that the manifesto release is happening just before the first political debate on social issues. “We reject this sort of development where we are heading in the first of three political debates without the opportunity to assess the manifesto, policy prescriptions, and the proposals of the Jamaica Labour Party,” Tomlinson commented. He argued that this approach reduces debates to “theatre” and prevents substantive public scrutiny of the JLP’s plans, deeming the situation “woefully unacceptable” and “shameful.”
The PNP, which recently launched its own “Mission: Jamaica Love” manifesto, claims its document is for “the people of Jamaica” and has indicated plans to release a “manifesto lite” with further details soon.
Timing and Political Landscape
The forthcoming general election, scheduled for September 3, 2025, is expected to be fiercely contested. With Nomination Day passed and campaign activities intensifying, the timing of manifesto releases and public debates becomes crucial. The JLP’s decision to launch its manifesto on August 24, the day after the first major political debate, has been characterized by the PNP as an attempt to avoid accountability and limit public examination of its policy proposals.
The election campaign sees the JLP seeking a third consecutive term in office, while the PNP aims to regain power after years in opposition. Both parties are actively engaging voters with distinct messages and strategies, with the economy, social development, and crime being key issues.
JLP’s Rationale and Business Sector’s Outlook
Kamina Johnson Smith defended the party’s approach, stating that the mass rally is an innovative way to bring policies to the people, aligning with the JLP’s mission. The party believes this method will foster deeper engagement with Jamaicans on critical issues.
Meanwhile, members of the business community, including the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Alliance and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), have expressed eagerness to review the JLP’s manifesto. They are particularly interested in understanding the party’s plans for economic growth, investment, and the MSME sector. However, the PSOJ has noted a perceived lack of bold, innovative economic proposals from both parties on the campaign trail so far.
As Jamaica navigates this critical election period, the JLP’s manifesto launch and the ensuing debate highlight the differing campaign philosophies of the nation’s two major political forces.