#PNPConference: Jubilant comrades flock National Arena for 79th annual confab

Although not yet boasting a capacity crowd, the cheers inside the National Arena were deafening as hundreds of People's National Party (PNP) supporters occasionally broke out in song and dance on the final day of the party's 79th annual conference in Kingston.

Loyalists, clad in the party colours would, however, pause for a moment of reverence at the start of the proceedings for devotions.

The atmosphere would return to fever pitch around 11:10 a.m. as Basil Waite took to the podium to introduce the party executive.

As the ‘Chairman for Life’ Robert Pickersgill was introduced, the audience erupted in a  frenzy.

Vice President Dr Fenton Ferguson received equal fanfare.

Outside, there was a party like atmosphere with flag-waving and horn-blowing supporters as numerous Coaster buses rolled in.

Inside, PNP region three chairman, Phillip Paulwell would later describe Peter Phillips' ascension to the presidency of the PNP as a "seamless transition".

He expressed optimism that the next national polls would see the PNP returned to government with Phillips as Prime Minister.

Earlier, the president of the PNP Women Movement Jennifer Edwards urged the women in the party to make their mark in the political arena.

Phillips is expected to deliver the main address, his first at PNP president, at 2 p.m. 

- Syranno Baines

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