PRESS RELEASE

Sunday October 6, 2002 The Jamaican Debates Commission announced today that a live debate between the leaders of the country’s two major political parties will take place on Tuesday October 10, beginning at 9:00 p.m. Jamaicans will be able to see and hear the debates live as they will be simulcast on three television stations and five radio stations.

The hour-long debate between the Prime Ministerial Candidates P.J. Patterson of the PNP and Edward Seaga of the JLP will see both party leaders responding to questions from a panel as well as questioning each other directly.

“These debates represent a change from politics as usual”, said Debates Commission Chairman Philmore Ogle.  “Our goal is to help instill a ‘debate culture’ so that all Jamaicans can learn from the candidates, understand the importance of active political involvement, and see that each of us has a role to play in determining the course of our country’s future. Our special appreciation goes to the cooperative spirit displayed by the political parties and the media in helping to make these debates a reality, as well as to our sponsors and our other partners in the public and private sector”, he said.

The Jamaican Debates Commission is a neutral and impartial joint venture between the Media Association of Jamaica and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. Its purpose is:

• To create an environment in which political parties and their representatives can focus on issues during a general election campaign, and
• To lift the level of public discussion, and to educate and inform the public about the real issues that should guide the electorate in casting its vote.

Sponsors for the unprecedented simulcast are the Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited, Red Stripe, and the National Commercial Bank.

-END-