Vaz Challenges Media to Host Pre-Election Debates

KINGSTON — Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has challenged the media, academia and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to begin staging national debates to discuss issues, leading up to the General Election due in 2012.

Speaking at Wednesday's August 24 Post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Mr. Vaz said the debates would give the public an opportunity to evaluate policy and performance, outside of the hysteria of an election campaign.

“This will allow them to assess the handling of the country's affairs by this administration and previous administrations, and hear the plans to take us to prosperity and growth," Mr. Vaz stated.

He said that with just one year left before, what could be considered, the most important General Election in recent history, these debates would allow the policies of all parties to be fully and comprehensively ventilated.

"Let the discussions and the debates begin now, in earnest. I am prepared to assist in any way, shape or form,” he stated.

Mr. Vaz added that starting the debates now, would give ample time to all portfolio ministers to prepare, instead of having back-to-back debates in the weeks leading up to the election.

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Reporter