'PNP trying to gain points'

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

BUFF BAY, Portland:

MINISTER WITH responsibility for information, Daryl Vaz, has asserted that the opposition People's National Party (PNP) is engaged in a series of distractions aimed at gaining political mileage.

Vaz was addressing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters in West Portland Sunday afternoon, during the opening of a new constituency office.

"The PNP's only hope is to use distractions. They are desperate and have no foundation, and as a result, they are using those kinds of tactics, including the Manatt enquiry, and the fact that the prime minister and I were in Paraguay shooting two birds," said Vaz.

He added: "I am, therefore, cautioning you not to be thwarted by those distractions as, clearly, it is a ploy by the PNP, who is trying everything to regain power."

Y.P. Seaton issue

The PNP last week raised concerns that the airfare of Prime Minister Bruce Golding was paid for by contractor Y.P. Seaton. Vaz later revealed that the money was reimbursed.

Vaz, who is seeking a second term as member of parliament for West Portland, also urged party supporters to remain united and not to lose hope, as the JLP was on a path of full recovery, despite the many challenges brought about by the recession.

"The level of work being undertaken in West Portland is unprecedented," Vaz told supporters.

He continued, "I inherited a broken-down infrastructure in 2007, and today, just about every road in West Portland is undergoing rehabilitation, and several communities are now benefiting from water sources, which have either been upgraded or newly constructed. I am now focusing on providing employment to persons in this constituency, not just supporters of the JLP, but all those who have not yet gained any employment."