Headlines:
| Peter to take on Portia |
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| Monday, 14 July 2008 | |
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A resounding yes was the battle cry from Dr. Peter
Phillips as he threw his hat into the ring for the race for President of the
People's National Party (PNP). After persistent prodding from Party stalwarts and his constituents, Dr. Phillips told a large gathering at the Harbour View Primary School in St. Andrew Sunday night that he is accepting the challenge to lead the party into its next phase. The PNP Vice President arrived at the Divisional conference to loud cheers from jubilant supporters who had awaited his arrival in the parking lot. Mavado's ‘I'm on the rock' rang out as he made his way to the platform. However, before the announcement, the signs were obvious that the PNP Vice President would be putting in his bid once more to lead the party. Party supporters had donned Peter Phillips shirts ... remnants of the team motto two years ago...."Solid as a Rock". More support 
The familiar faces that flanked Dr. Phillips' on his
campaign in the last presidential election were also present ... Maxine Henry
Wilson, Sharon Hay-Webster, Harry Douglas and Fitz Jackson. But there were also some unfamiliar faces in his band of supporters ... among them Vice President of the National Workers Union Danny Roberts. Also in attendance were financial heavy hitters who were said to have been strong backers of the current president in the last election. Those who took the platform before the PNP Vice President paved the way for the announcement that was to be made. ‘A resounding yes' - Phillips By the time he took the platform the mood was set and supporters on the outside moved closer to the room. When he rose to the platform the crowd had begun a chant ... "We want Peter". However, the hundreds who had gathered including the media would have to wait another 30 minutes for the announcement but when it finally came, the answer was clear. "To the persistent demands of thousands and thousands of comrades at all levels of the party and the demands of citizens across the length and breadth of Jamaica, who have asked that I accept your nomination to lead this process of renewal, I have one simple answer ... a resounding yes!" said Dr. Phillips. He made it clear, however, that the announcement was not an official launch. He said that time and place for that will be determined by his constituency and campaign machinery. Party unity 
Dr. Phillips also said he and his team will do all in
their power to ensure that the integrity of the party is preserved throughout
his Presidential bid. Members and some delegates of the PNP have expressed concerns that the organisation is not in a position to handle another leadership challenge. Analysts believe there could be fallout if another presidential election is held in September. The last leadership campaign leading up to the 2006 challenge left the party reeling from the effects of a split between Dr. Phillips' supporters and supporters of party Leader Portia Simpson Miller. The party's Appraisal Committee that reviewed the PNP's performance in the last general election attributed the losses at the polls to the wounds left after the last leadership race. |