(Too Many old PNP members ideas old) Simpson Miller promises vibrant Opposition

Simpson Miller promises vibrant Opposition

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller greets the press with a smile and a wave.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller says that the People’s National Party (PNP) is committed to being a vibrant Opposition, holding the Government accountable at all times.

Speaking at the swearing-in of parliamentarians at Gordon House yesterday, following the February 25 General Election, Simpson Miller said that the Opposition has a constitutional duty to scrutinise the Government, and that the PNP would not fail in performing that duty.

However, she said that, while the PNP will be “strong, vigilant and firm”, the party would do so “in a manner that contributes to the building of a better Jamaica”.

She noted that with elevation of Pearnel Charles to the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives, there was an equal number of members on the floor of the Lower House.

“Win, lose or draw, I would not trade democracy for anything else. The people of Jamaica have spoken and, as their elected representatives, we have a duty to listen carefully and to learn the lessons of the moment,” she stated.

“We in this House have a duty to conduct ourselves in a manner that will encourage more Jamaicans to participate in the electoral process,” she said, while commending Jamaicans who voted on February 25 for exercising their constitutional right.

“We might not agree with their ultimate choice of Government, but we, on this side, will always protect and defend the right of the people to choose,” she said.

“Once again, I congratulate the PM and his team on their victory. However, let me advise my friend, and all the members over there, do not get very comfortable on that side. I know that you are usually more comfortable on this side,” she said, referring to the side of the House on which the Opposition sits.

“We recognise that Jamaica cannot be built by Government alone. It cannot be built by the Opposition alone. It must be built by us, working together. We all have a responsibility to operate at the highest level of decency, decorum and integrity. That’s the commitment of the Opposition,” she added.

Simpson Miller also insisted that, while in Government over the past four years, the PNP had laid the foundation for fundamental transformation of the Jamaican economy and society.

“Today, we recommit to devoting our energies to the enterprise that is called Jamaica,” she stated.

“This land is our land. This country is our country, and I urge every Jamaican to join this mission of lifting Jamaica to new heights of achievements and greatness,” she added.