Jamaican parties sign off on debates

(Jamaica Gleaner) The country’s two main political parties this morning signed off on the formats for their debates leading into general elections.

The signing took place during a press conference hosted by the Jamaica Debates Commission at the Courtleigh Hotel in St Andrew.

Chairman of the Commission Gary Allen said with today’s signing the focus now shifts to finalising preparations for the debates.

He said the commission has secured J$15 million of the J$18.5 million required to hold the debates and is now finalising the selection of the moderators and questioners.

Allen said he hopes to have at least one of the debates before Nomination Day.

The traditional staging of political debates was thrown in doubt because the two main parties could not agree on the formats they would take.

However, last week both sides agreed to three debates.