PNP UK Affiliate Annual Conference 2023: Reviving Jamaican Politics, a Bold Vision for a Safer Jamaica: By Donovan Reynolds.

 

(Centre Chairman PNP-UKGareth Gilfillian)



On Sunday, June 25th, 2023, the People's National Party affiliate in the United Kingdom (PNP-UK) held its annual conference in Elephant & Castle, London, UK. The theme was, “Jamaica: from constitutional monarchy to Republic.” The event featured an online presentation by the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Mark Golding. Additionally, the Chairman of the PNP UK, Gareth Gilfillan, presented the group's annual report.

Other notable presenters included Motondo Mukulu, former Jamaican Public Defender; Bentley Cunningham, a longstanding PNP activist and Political Educator of the PNP UK; and an online guest appearance by Julian Robinson, Opposition Spokesman on Finance.

The discussions commenced with the impending constitutional changes aimed at transitioning from a Governor General, a representative of the British monarchy, to a presidential system of government in Jamaica. The conference also addressed the need for Jamaicans in the diaspora to have voting rights in Jamaica's General and Local Government elections. The final topic centred around the increasing crime problems in Jamaica, particularly the targeting of returning residents by criminals.

During his presentation, the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Mark Golding, emphasized the PNP's position to replace the Governor General with a non-executive President through a referendum. He reiterated the PNP’s intention to replace the King of England's representative as the head of state.

Political Educator Bentley Cunningham argued for the importance of continuing public education for PNP members and outlined the necessity of establishing a clear ideological pathway for the party's future.

Motondo Mukulu eloquently discussed how members of the Jamaican diaspora could be afforded the right to vote in either local or general elections in Jamaica. He expressed a preference for allowing Jamaican citizens to vote in general elections.

The Chairman of the PNP UK applauded the presence of young individuals at the conference and focussed on the importance of engaging more young people in politics, particularly within the PNP UK affiliate. He highlighted that new volunteering opportunities available within the party that could be beneficial to young individuals of Jamaican descent. He also expressed his commitment to actively involving more young people in the activities and membership of the PNP UK organisation.

The PNP UK affiliate shares a longstanding historical connection with the PNP in Jamaica. After charismatic leader and former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley visited the United Kingdom in 1969, the affiliate experienced a significant influx of members. Currently, the group is led by Chairman Gareth Gilfillian, a Social Entrepreneur, who is determined to re-energize the PNP affiliate in the UK and increase its membership.

Donovan Reynolds is the CEO of Kingstonmouth.com He is a trained Diplomat, Human Rights Activist, and Communication Consultant. This article is edited by Ann Smith, a British Educator and Social Activist. Kingstommouth.com is a charitable organization that has been in existence for over nine years. We have an interest in Politics, Human Rights, and International Development Issues. Viewers wishing to comment on this article may do so at the space provided on this blog. Alternatively, they can contact us at kingstonmouth63@gmail.com or on our Twitter or Facebook Page.



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