After June 19, I'll remain PM - Patterson

CLAREMONT, ST ANN: PRIME MINISTER P. J. Patterson, on the campaign trail in St. Ann Friday night, warned that whatever happens on June 19 will not change the fact that on the morning of the 20th, he will remain the Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Seeking to drum up support for 15 candidates contesting the Local Government elections on the People's National Party's ticket, he took the opportunity to pat himself on the shoulder for what the country has accomplished under his administration.

"Between 1989 to 2002," he said, "we have transformed the face of Jamaica for the better."

But he had a word for "anyone eyeing Central Government". Mr. Patterson said he would remain in office until he
chooses.

However, Mr. Patterson once again hinted at a departure from politics but said that he had a mission still to be completed before doing so.

EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE

Addressing PNP supporters and the 15 candidates, who will contest the upcoming elections, the Prime Minister said one of the things he wants to ensure before he goes is to bring more young people into the leadership at the representational level of the party, and to make sure that women also come forward.

Turning his attention to education, Mr. Patterson promised to reduce the amount of cost sharing that families have to pay for those who are going into secondary school and reiterated the Government's commitment to subsidise some exam subjects.

He said, this year, $840 million has been provided in the budget to be available in September to start the gradual reduction in school fees.

Mr. Patterson also announced that his Government was moving ahead to assist cane farmers in the replanting programme.

An agreement reached on Thursday, between the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) will see the DBJ lending $100 million to the SIA, to assist the small farmers.