JLP General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang
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By Racquel Porter
General Secretary of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Dr. Horace Chang has acknowledged that the party's message has not been resonating with the country ahead of the next general election, which is constitutionally due in 2025.
In a bid to further strengthen its organisational structure and to improve its messaging, the ruling party made changes to its Central Executive during a meeting on Sunday.
The Central Executive is the party's second-highest decision making body outside of its annual conference.
Speaking Wednesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, Dr. Chang agreed that the party has to change its messaging.
His acknowledgement comes two days after Robert Morgan resigned as Chairman of the party's Public Relations Committee.
But in the interview, Dr. Chang made it clear that Mr. Morgan was not forced out.
Noting that the media landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years, he said, in addition to traditional media, social media now plays a significant role in communicating with the public, and this requires more technical skills and time.
While quickly pointing out that Mr. Morgan does not lack these required skills, Dr. Chang said the first-time MP must divide his time between his ministry and constituency.
"Mr. Morgan is what I call the 2020 generation, which is one of the MPs who came into the House in 2020, and therefore, their constituencies require a significant portion of their time if they intend to remain where they are," he asserted.
Party leader and Prime Minister Andrew Holness indicated that a Public Relations Council is to be established to lead the JLP's communication efforts.
Membership of the council is to be revealed at a later date.
Replacement for Audley Shaw
In the meantime, the JLP General Secretary said discussions are underway to replace Member of Parliament for Manchester North Eastern Audley Shaw.
Mr. Shaw, who has been serving the constituency since 1993, is expected to retire from representational politics ahead of the next general election.
After winning in that election, Mr. Shaw was handed the position of opposition spokesman on public utilities, where he made his name as a vigilant watchdog.
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