Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Robert Montague has responded to repeated calls by the People’s National Party (PNP) for a general election to be called, stating that the ruling party is in no rush to have a general election and are instead focused on completing tasks according to their timeline.

However, he noted that candidate selection and placements are on track and constituencies have been reviewed. The party will also be consulting delegates and supporters in the coming weeks, said the party chairman.

“Tell such man that we not in any rush for an election. Dr Holness will call it when Dr Holness is ready! We have things to do, and we are doing them according to our own timetable,” Montague declared at the JLP’s 81st conference on Sunday at the National Arena in St Andrew.

His comments follow remarks by PNP General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell following the recent by-elections last week Friday, where he declared that “the victories in Aenon Town and Morant Bay are heralding what’s to come in 2025,’’ and called for an early election.

“The results are consistent with recent national polls that show that the PNP is developing a commanding lead in trust and support. The JLP is now a lame-duck Administration that has lost the confidence of the majority. An early general election to give a fresh mandate to a new administration would be in the best interests of democracy and governance,” said Campbell.

However, addressing a packed National Arena on Sunday, Montague declared that the party and the Government are active. He acknowledged that the JLP did lose the Aenon Town and Morant Bay municipal seats during the by-election, but noted that they also won in Trelawny Southern and St Andrew North Western.

“Don’t be daunted or discouraged in both municipal divisions. It’s not the results we wanted, but it is what we got,” he told supporters.

“There are basically three lessons to be taken from these elections. We must pay more attention to the poor and vulnerable, cost of living, roads, light, housing and water. We must help persons to start their small businesses or expand and we must grow our footprint in the digital economy. We must take care of our party workers,’’ he said.

‘’This party intends to do just that, we are paying more attention to our party workers, creating more opportunities for them. The party leader started with the scholarship in education programme, where children of party workers can get a scholarship or a grant. But we intend to go further,’’ said Montague.

He further noted that the Government intends to complete projects geared towards fixing roads and also have plans to tackle water issues plaguing several communities.

“The people of Mason Hall, Kidland and other communities are looking out for their water before end of year, other water projects are to be completed, and road work soon start. Mango Valley and other communities people, we ready for you now and we are sorry for the delay. We apologise to all road users, but Dr Holness plans soon buss!!” said Montague.

‘’Roads right across Jamaica are bad, but work soon start on them, water turning on, houses being built and repaired, educational opportunities, jobs and nuff more! St Mary people want to thank the prime minister for the free zone at the airport where hundreds of St Mary people and others will get work. St Thomas got theirs, Portland getting theirs and now St Mary, and more to come in other parishes, this Government active! The Government strong!” he remarked.

The chairman said, too, that the JLP has heard the cries of the people to tackle issues surrounding daily living, children, farmers and housing, adding that the Holness Administration is pivoting to meet the needs.

He noted that Holness has already warned MPs that they need to buckle up, adding that the people’s agenda and priorities is what the next chapter is about and he has full confidence in the prime minister to complete the vision.

“We need to complete what we started. Remember we lost three years because of COVID. So many things could not be done! But even then we never laid off not one Government worker and we granted money to those who were laid off and assisted others with the compassionate grant. Let’s not forget! Ah so wi active! The third term is needed, so the poor and vulnerable can get the proper help! Party workers can get help so Jamaica will be strong!” he remarked.

Montague further stressed that a third term is needed to create more opportunities for youth, create more spaces for women and programmes for the elderly. Additionally, he told supporters that the third term is needed to reform the procurement process, make more contract workers permanent and upgrade informal communities.

“I trust Andrew Holness and you must trust him too. He has started to move you from poverty to prosperity. You need to allow him to continue what he has started,” said Montague.

“He needs to finish what he has started for you, that is to pay attention to your needs. He knows your struggle because he has struggled too. He knows your pain because this yute from Spanish Town has felt it too. He has made mistakes, he has had challenges and issues, but remember: He is human. He is not perfect. He is human, but his heart is in the right place. He too knows that the third term is needed because it is your turn. The third term is your time, the third term is your term,’’ he declared.

Cheering supporters at Sunday’s annual conference of the Jamaica Labour Party at the National Arena.