PNP better off without ‘switchers’, Golding says

People's National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding says the party is stronger without those who have abandoned ship to join the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

Addressing a spirited crowd in Hanover Western last night, Golding sounded off on what he described as "the switching thing," making it clear that the PNP has no time for disloyalty.

"We better off when who nuh really belong wid we, go weh dem fi guh. Mek the thing clearer. Mi nuh like when people deh 'mongst we, and dem nuh really for we. So if yuh nuh for we, just go where yuh feel comfortable, we alright," Golding said to loud cheers from party faithfuls.

His comments come in the wake of a growing list of former PNP hopefuls who have crossed the floor to join the JLP. Among them is Christopher French, who represented the PNP in the Alexandria Division in St Ann during last year's local government elections. French is now flying the green flag.

Before him, Craig Oates--who once had his eyes set on running for the PNP in Hanover Eastern--and Kenroy Calame, who had expressed interest in representing the Cauldwell Division of the Hanover Municipal Corporation, also declared they are now aligned with the Labour Party.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Andrew Holness, speaking at a constituency meeting in St Ann South East, said people are more attracted to better policies, and this explain why some are switching to the JLP.

"People are heading to the Jamaica Labour Party ... because you have toxic people over there and toxic situations [while] over here, we have order, principles and respect. We have a better politics," Holness said.

The JLP's standard-bearer in St Ann South East is Adion Peart, who switched from the PNP last year.

Peart, is the cousin of Michael and Dean Peart, longstanding members of the PNP.