The long-awaited Vale Royal talks between the government and the opposition resumed yesterday with a three-hour discussion on issues of national importance.
The leaders of Jamaica’s two main political parties, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP), participated in the talks facilitated by the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the talks are usually held at Vale Royal but were hosted by the church since that location is unable to host the meetings at this time.
A joint release on the talks said they centred on the important issues of national security and constitutional reform.
In his opening statement, JLP leader Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed optimism that the talks will foster greater consensus on challenging national issues.
The Prime Minister noted that the previous discussions were successful in achieving some understanding of critical national matters.
Meanwhile, president of the PNP, Mark Golding, welcomed the resumption of the talks, while noting that the fact that there may be disagreement on some issues should not be regarded as hindrance to dialogue.
The Jamaica Labour Party’s delegation included party leader, Andrew Holness, General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang, Chairman Robert Montague, and others.
While the PNP delegation included party president Mark Golding, Chairman Dr. Angela Brown Burke and General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell.