Baugh shies away from election to heal JLP rift

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Chairman Dr Ken Baugh has confirmed he has decided against seeking re-election, as a first step in healing the tensions in the west and other divisions within the party.

In a release yesterday, Baugh said his decision followed a two-hour meeting with Dr Horace Chang after the party's national conference last Sunday. During that meeting, the two examined the deep factions affecting the JLP in the west and what Baugh termed the impending isolation of St James in the wake of the Area Four deputy-leader race.

The incumbent Chang, who is Baugh's brother-in-law, lost that race in a fierce battle with Dr Christopher Tufton.

"I agree that opening up the nominations for chairman could contribute to the healing of the factious west and other divisions within the party," Baugh said in his release.

"I am aware that Dr Chang and others are unwilling to be nominated while I am vying for the post, hence my decision."

Meanwhile, with the party chairman-ship now up for grabs, the young-professional arm of the JLP, Generation 2000 (G2K), has thrown its support behind veteran politician Mike Henry.

The Central Clarendon member of parliament is the only person so far nominated for the post, but with two days remaining in the nomination period, Chang and others could still enter the race.

However, G2K is not waiting to see who else will offer themselves for one of the key posts in the party, as it puts its developing reputation behind the 75-year-old politician.

"G2K decided to support Mike Henry for the post of JLP chairman following consultations with the newly elected management committee and private discussions with chapter executives and members here and abroad over the last few weeks," Delano Seiveright, president of G2K, told The Gleaner.

Support for henry

Seiveright said G2K would remain in Henry's corner, no matter who else enters the race.

"The chairmanship of the JLP requires someone with experience and broad-based support. Mr Henry, in the last few decades, has displayed an ability to think outside the box. He is reform-minded and is part of the transformation process, no matter if he is 80 or 35 years old," Seiveright said in an obvious attempt to deflect criticisms that the elder statesman cannot be part of the transformation which G2K has backed.

G2K had already endorsed Daryl Vaz, who is in a keen contest with Aundré Franklin to replace Karl Samuda as the general secretary of the party.

On December 5, the 180-member JLP Central Executive will elect the officers to join the party leader and four deputy leaders who have already been elected.