| Jamaica Parties Go Head To Head In Debate |
By BBC Caribbean
August 9, 2007
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Mixed reviews came following Wednesday night's National Political Debate in Jamaica involving Dr. Peter Phillips of the governing Peoples National Party and Dr. Ken Baugh of the Jamaica Labour Party.
The men spared for 90 minutes facing questions from a three member panel of |
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| Dr. Phillips and Dr Baugh answered a barrage of questions on a range of social issues including the health service, education, crime and the state of the economy. |
| Some of the questions were fielded by the politicians with the strong rhetoric, that some journalists and political commentators say has become commonplace in Jamaica's political environment. |
| However both men were clearly a little rattled when faced with issues such as the death penalty, the legalization of abortion and abolition of Jamaica's controversial anti-buggery laws. |
| Asked if these issues be put to the public in national referenda, Dr. Baugh's said the opposition maintains its stance that the death penalty should be applied where necessary. |
| “I don’t think that it is necessary to go to a referendum. |
| “These are issues that will be debated in parliament,” Dr Baugh’s said. |
| Dr. Phillips said the PNP is open to discussion. |
| “We’ll participate in all such discussions about how to move Jamaica forward,” Dr Phillips said. |
| Dr. Phillips used the last few minutes to grill Dr. Baugh on how his Party intends to finance the plans and promises outlined in its manifesto. |
| In response Dr. Baugh questioned Dr Phillips, who is National Security Minister, to explain how the Government intends to effectively control Jamaica's crime problem. |
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