The Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) has announced the planning and staging of the national political debates as well advanced. Chairman of the Jamaica Debates Commission says the political debates will play a significant role in educating the public on widespread issues along with how political parties plan to govern them.
The first debate on social issues will be on Tuesday, August 25. With the PNP’s Peter Bunting, Dayton Campbell and Krystal Campbell – and JLP’s Chris Tufton, Kamina Johnson Smith, and Floyd Green. The second debate on economic issues between Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke and Opposition, Mark Golding takes place on Thursday, August 27 and the final debate on leadership issues between Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Dr. Peter Phillips will be held on Saturday, August 29.
“At this point, our production arrangement for the debate are at an advanced state of readiness,” said Chairman of the Jamaica Debates Commission, Noel DaCosta. “Although, we had only fourteen days to organize them since the announcement of the election date our set for the first debate which is the team debate has been adjusted to ensure adequate physical distancing and we are using only two in-studio questioners instead of the usual three.”
Adding to this, the Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown commented on the necessity of the debates.
“Debates help the electors understand better the track record, the policies and the character of those who seek to lead our precious country.”
Meanwhile, President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Lloyd Distant Jr noted that there are many critical issues to be addressed through the debates.
“How will the parties, whomever is selected to lead our country leverage what was achieved in the consensus on crime and how they will get us to being a safe, secure and just society going forward. Those are just some of the things I know many of us as Jamaicans are expecting to hear. “
The public will be allowed to participate in the national debates via social media by sending questions to the Jamaica Debates Commission.
