Jamaica Patriotic Movement promises to put agriculture on top

When Oswald 'Stoneman' Comrie carried a massive cassava to the Jamaica Patriotic Movement's conference on Sunday, he did it to make a point about the island's food security.

"Based on the initiative of the Patriotic Movement, I bring the cassava to share the 'eat what you grow' concept. It is very important for our people to know that because we are facing a food war right now although many people recognise it," he said. Comrie, who is the caretaker of Culture Yard in Trench Town, as well as a farmer, was one of the participants of the conference that was held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.

In the face of the challenges posed by drought conditions currently affecting farmers, Comrie asserted that he considers himself fortunate to remain unaffected by its impact.

"We are well blessed to have things from the Earth, because in many countries they can't plant. As a result of climate change, the soil isn't good, so they can't get a proper crop. In Jamaica now, once you put it to the soil you can advance, you see how big this cassava is," he said, showing the large tuber in his hand.

One of the key points in the manifesto of the Jamaica Patriotic Movement is that mining, manufacturing and agriculture will serve as the primary drivers for the Jamaican economy, shifting the focus away from tourism, which is currently Jamaica's biggest earner.

Carlos Daley, the founder of the movement, started out four years ago with the mandate to address Jamaica's social decline while challenging foreign and political control. The present administration has expressed its desire for Jamaica to become a republic, a shift that would entail constitutional adjustments. To facilitate this transition a referendum is needed. The Jamaica Patriotic Movement views this moment as opportune to educate the Jamaican people about their recommended new constitution.

"What I will be doing towards the general elections is promoting the manifesto and the constitution; it is online. The prime minister set up this so-called constitutional reform; the constitution should be changed, not reformed," Daley said.

Among the changes the movement is looking to implement is for those seeking to represent constituencies to hail from them.

"You be the leader in your community, don't let anyone that is not from your community represent you. Jamaicans need to shock the political system," Daley said.