PRESS RELEASE

Jamaica Debates Commission

March 30, 2007  The Jamaica Debates Commission, a partnership between the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Media Association of Jamaica Ltd. has been working on plans for the staging of prime-time, nationally broadcast political debates leading up to the next elections. The debates will be aired live on radio and television.  

Consultative and planning sessions are being held with major political parties. Criteria for the selection of political parties for the debate include a minimum10% showing in the most recent polls.

The primary aim of the Commission is to facilitate public dialogue, necessary to assist the Jamaican electorate in making informed decisions.  The discussions between the Commission and the parties have been robust and the level of participation and agreement has been encouraging. 

The public will be kept informed of developments related to the staging of these debates as we move forward. General elections are due by October 2007.

-END-