WEEK ENDING FEB 08, 2003   

DUNCAN: CANVASSING ELECTORAL LIST IS CRITICAL TO WINNING AN ELECTION  

Former Minister of Government in the Michael Manley administration Dr. D.K Duncan told supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that canvassing the Electoral List is the first step in winning an election. He made the comment during the NDC's  Annual Convention  held last Sunday at the River Sallee Government School under the theme "Restoring Honesty and Integrity in Nation Building".

Dr. Duncan is a leading member of the ruling People's National Party (PNP) of Prime Minister P.J Patterson of Jamaica. A Dentist by profession, he led his party into several electoral victories in the 1970's under the Manley administration.

He is currently assisting the NDC in its bid to unseat the ruling New National Party (NNP) administration of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell in the upcoming general election. In his address to hundreds of supporters, the former government minister stressed the need for proper scrutiny of the Voters List, saying that if they are able to control the list, then they will win the election.

"You have to be ready to apply sanctions by controlling the voters list, since concentration on the Voters List is the first stage for winning any election"  the Jamaican national indicated. The former parliamentarian also called on supporters to get  persons who have not yet registered to do so in order for them to vote when ever the polls are held.

"Prevention is better than cure, get them (unregistered voters) ready now, by putting their names on the list" the former Jamaican government minister indicated. Duncan called on supporters to become properly informed about their party since they cannot canvass if they do not know what are the objectives of the NDC.

"You have to have an understanding as to where you are going and respecting the voter in the process" the former General Secretary in the PNP government stated.   "Start to educate yourself on what you stand for, you are the leader out there in the field and people will be watching you to see whether you are yes a man or woman" Duncan warned.

He congratulated political leader Tillman Thomas for his leadership qualities, saying that the unity displayed  among the group is not a fake one. Duncan admitted that from the interaction with members of the party, he believes that they are ready to govern the country.

However he indicated that organisation at every level is key, since the work toward the leadership is not finished.   "Let the change begins now" Duncan told hundred of supporters during his address at the Convention.