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Golding defends PNP decision to sit out NE St. Ann by-election

Opposition Leader Mark Golding
By Clinton McGregor    
 
Opposition Leader Mark Golding is defending his party's decision not to contest the September 30 by-election in North East St. Ann.
 
Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament Marsha Smith resigned from the seat earlier this week, prompting the announcement of the by-election. 
 
But, addressing People's National Party supporters in Clarendon on Thursday night, Mr. Golding called for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to announce the date of the next general election, instead of a by-election. 
 
"This government is in its fifth and final year. Fifth and final year. This is not the time for by-elections. This is the time for bye-bye elections. We want the general, because we ready to take back this thing in the interest of the Jamaican people," he said.
 
Mr. Golding maintained that he will not be distracted by "political manoeuvres that are not in the best interest of the country". 
 
"People out deh a suffer. [Hurricane] Beryl hurt many, many people in the country, and you're going to take $30 million to run a by-election, because you have 49 MPs - 48 now - and you can't find one who can do the work that is required. That shows that your team is not ready to be in government," said the PNP president.


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