PNP's Progressive Agenda reflects unity, respect, honesty - Nicholson

Opposition Spokesman on Foreign Affairs A.J. Nicholson is insisting that the Progressive Agenda, to be formally presented by the People's National Party (PNP) today, must stand on a platform of unity and respect.

The straight-talking politician did not mince words as he bluntly cautioned his colleagues in the PNP leadership to avoid the temptation of lying to the electorate in its quest for state power.

'Do not fall into the trap of the (Bruce Golding) administration and make promises that you can't keep," stressed Nicholson, the PNP legal officer. There can be no PNP candidate or spokesperson to tell the people any lies.

Tell the truth

"The (PNP) leadership must be honest and tell the people the truth, both the good and the bad," declared Nicholson at a political rally in Portmore on Sunday night.

Nicholson characterised the impending general election as the most crucial in the history of the country, as it was being held in the throes of a global economic recession.

He stressed that the mantle of Government must be won on the platform of unity and respect, an example that's being set at the senior level of the PNP.

"If K.D. (Knight) and Portia Simpson Miller can get along, why can't we," declared Nicholson. "If Peter (Phillips) and Portia can get along after two challenges, then why can't we; all three of them are my friends so I know what I am saying."

He said the electorate will be called on to determine whether the Bruce Golding administration will be able to pull the country through this difficult period.

Magnitude of challenges

Nicholson suggested that the magnitude of the challenges was demonstrable in the willingness and eagerness of people gathering in supermarkets and elsewhere to discuss troubling issues.

"These are not usual times, it appears that it is the first time that a new government will have to take Jamaica out of the ashes," he declared. "The electorate will be called to vote on an irresponsible and arrogant government."

He stressed that the Progressive Agenda must stand on a platform of unity - of the Government working with the people and the people with the Government.

"Gone are the days in which politicians can describe themselves as messiah," declared Nicholson.

Nicholson