Golding to address the nation on Sunday

Prime Minister Bruce Golding (pictured), is to address the nation on Sunday, a week after he announced he will resign as Political Leader of the Jamaica Labor Party, (JLP).

The prime minister will outline issues relating to transition and other critical matters facing the country.

Golding’s surprise announcement, last Sunday, to the JLP’s Central Executive, prompted opposition calls for immediate general elections, and caused uncertainty within the country.

With no clear successor, several high-ranking party officials have said they are being “encouraged” to contest the leadership race, among them, Finance Audley Shaw; Deputy Prime Minister and former JLP Chairman, Dr Kenneth Baugh; Deputy Leader of the JLP, Dr. Christopher Tufton, and party Chairman Lester ‘Mike’ Henry.

“I am receiving encouragement and I am in my process of looking at everything,” said Shaw, 59, adding he would make a decision soon.

The 70 year old Dr. Baugh, the current minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, struck aside concerns about his age, stating he feels young and has enough experience to handle the position.

He disclosed that he will decide, next week, whether he will contest the election.

On the other hand, Dr Christopher Tufton, 43, told reporters, he is not certain he will contest the race, and is holding consultations.

“I would not do anything to hurt the country or the party, so I would restrain my political ambition to ensure that we maintain the recovery and growth that we have seen in the past four years. We cannot let political expediency jeopardise the gains,” Dr. Tufton said.

Dr. Baugh said he too, would be listening to his supporters.

Henry is the current transport and works minister.

The JLP will close nominations midnight October 20, ahead of the November 19 poll.