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<p>The question on everybody's lips is which of the Peters — Dr.Peter Phillips and Peter Bunting — will win the People's National Party (PNP) presidential election on Saturday (Sept 7).</p>
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<p><strong>BUZZ</strong> had a one on one conversation with the People’s
National Party Youth Organization, PNPYO, president &nbsp;Krystal Tomlinson who explained that there
several key factors that have to be blended into the discussion as to why there
has been a blatant upsurge among the youth population for aligning themselves
politically.</p>
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<p>“I think this increase in political conversation among young
people is directly related to the expansion in communications platforms. So,
whereas before political news would have to be gleaned through formal and
official channels such as the newspaper, radio and TV. Now the proliferation of
digital media and increasing access to these new education tools, spaces like
twitter, which is considered our news gathering platforms in Jamaica have
brought political conversations to our doorsteps,” the PNPYO youth arm leader
elucidated. </p>
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<p>She expanded her point to suggest that politicians are
turning to pop culture as a tool to propel their presence within society.</p>
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<p>“It has a lot to do with the political parties and
candidates to reach into pop culture and make themselves more relevant. So,
you’ll find political actors participating in pop culture spaces, wanting to do
interviews in pop culture media spaces so they can become a part of culture
conversations,”</p>
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<p><strong>BUZZ</strong> also spoke with Ackime Saunders,21, the 2019/20
Western Jamaica Campus Chairperson, WJC, at the University of the West Indies,
UWI. He shared that Peter Bunting is a more prospective candidate because he
has the capacity to better relate to the youth population versus his opponent,
Dr.Peter Phillips</p>
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<p>&nbsp;“I think Bunting is a
fresh face that is poised to bring change to the party, and he appeals more to
the youth, I believe. Bunting is very experienced, and that will mean a lot,
but he has not been championing the party and giving it a proper chance of
wining the generals,” the 3<sup>rd</sup> year banking and finance student
commented.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;The student leader
further advanced his argument to say that the race has uplifted the party in
such a way that it has showcased the value and contributions both contender can
add to the party, while noting that as a leader visibility and presence are
paramount, which Phillips lack and believes that Bunting can restore this light
within the party.</p>
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<p>“Generally, I think that the race is very good for the PNP.
It allows for the party to have options, or an option, for its own betterment.
I do not believe that the party should have at its helm one who rears his/her
head when governing party messes up – their presence must be felt at all
times,” he shared.</p>
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<p><strong>BUZZ</strong> also spoke with Ramon Gordon,20, a final year
Journalism major at the Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville divulged equal
sentiments but deviated to share that voter apathy still exists among our youth
population and having fresh younger faces could uplift the country.</p>
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<p>“There still exists a very unfortunate apathy towards any
that has to do with political dealings. So, I think that is why it is even more
important to have a fresh face leading the PNP. We have a fresher face leader
the JLP now and Andrew Holness is one of the younger leaders we’ve had sometimes,
while the PNP remains stagnant for most part,” Gordon expressed.</p>
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<p>However, a fervent supporter of the <strong>One PNP</strong> camp,
Shanique Brooks a 3<sup>rd</sup> year International Relations major at the UWI,
shared that Phillips has a wealth of experience in the political realm and
certain he will maintain his seat as president.</p>
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<p>“He has been involved in politics for decades. He’s a
multi-layered man who has piloted several capacities. People are using age as a
factor with his opponent, but truly being older should suggest greater wisdom
and knowledge. I am confident that he will secure his seat in the PNP,” she
declared.</p>
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<p>—<em><strong>Article written by Andre Cooper</strong></em></p>
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