PNP seeks consensus on new president, appoints election evaluation committee

The People's National Party (PNP) says efforts are under way to arrive at a consensus on a new president. 

But it said if this is not achieved in the short run, the matter will be brought to the next National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for September 27.

It would be the responsibility of the NEC to set the date for a special delegates' conference for the election of a president.

The development came at the party's executive meeting on Monday at the Mico University.

In a media release, the PNP said in light of the spike in COVID-19 cases, the executive also agreed to cancel this year's annual conference, that was scheduled for this month.

Following the PNP's 48-15 seat loss to the Jamaica Labour Party, PNP president Dr Peter Phillips indicated that he was stepping down as party head and Opposition Leader.

At Monday's meeting, the executive was advised that the party's parliamentary group has formally conveyed support for Phillips to serve as Leader of the Opposition until his successor is in place. 

Meanwhile, the PNP has named an election evaluation committee, to be headed by Dr Canute Thompson, Head of the Caribbean Centre for Educational Planning at the University of the West Indies.

The PNP said the evaluation committee is to engage, among other things, in a dispassionate assessment of the party’s campaign, it's image and appeal and the public’s perception of the organisation.

According to the party, the committee will also recommend actions to address and correct the identified deficiencies and failings as well as assist the party in the development and implementation of its reform and renewal agenda.

Members of the committee will be drawn from the private sector, academia and the educational sector along with representatives of the party’s arms and affiliates.

At Monday's meeting, the executive was advised that the party's parliamentary group has formally conveyed support for Dr Peter Phillips to serve as Leader of Opposition until his successor is in place. 

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