Press release - March 30, 2007

The Jamaica Debates Commission, a partnership between the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Media Association of Jamaica Ltd. has been working on the plans for the staging of prime-time, nationally broadcast political debates in the period leading up to the elections. The debates will be aired live on radio and television.

Consultative and planning sessions are being held jointly with the two major political parties. Criteria for the selection of political parties for the debate include a minimum10% showing in the most recent polls.

The primary aim of the Commission is to facilitate public dialogue, so as to assist the Jamaican electorate in making informed decisions. The discussions between the Commission and the parties have been robust and the level of participation and agreement has been encouraging.

The public will be kept informed of developments related to the staging of these debates as we move forward. General elections are constitutionally due by October 2007.