Opposition Spokesman on Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Mr. Edmund Bartlett, is expressing disappointment at the failed Free-Trade Agreement negotiations between CARICOM and Canada which, he says, could have paved the way for significantly enhanced trade and investment flows, especially as it relates to trade-in-services.

The Jamaica Labour Party has today confirmed that its Selection Committee has approved three applicants to seek the support to become the candidate for West Central St. Catherine. They are Councillor Devon Wint, Mr. Kent Gammon and Dr. Christopher Tufton.

General Secretary of the JLP, Dr. Horace Chang noted, “The Labour Party has well established candidate selection procedures in place that allow for members to offer themselves for service. The three applicants are excellent candidates and we look forward to a smooth selection process”.

Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Andrew Holness and Caretaker for East Rural St. Andrew, Senator Alexander Williams, speaking yesterday during a tour of fire threatened communities in the Caretaker's constituency, stated that the Fire Department needed water, better access to the communities and the right equipment, to thwart the recent fires in Mavis Bank and adjoining communities.

Opposition Spokesman on Local Government, Desmond McKenzie, is calling for the immediate suspension of normal administrative operations at the Hanover Parish Council in light of the egregious breakdown in accountability and financial integrity, which has resulted in the Contractor General taking interest in the entity once again.

Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith, is welcoming Tuesday's breakthrough by the police in their investigation of the gruesome quadruple killing in Monymusk, Clarendon recently.

Mr. Smith said: "There has been every indication that the police have been zealous and resolute in pursuing the perpetrator or perpetrators of the gruesome killings in Monymusk. The Opposition is therefore pleased with the recently reported breakthrough which has seen two persons taken into custody, and hopes that a successful prosecution will result."

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Caretaker for St. Thomas Eastern, Delano Seiveright today read and presented gifts to the children of the First Step Pre-school & Early Childhood Institution as part of the Read Across Jamaica Day outreach activities. He was joined by Councilor for the Dalvey Division, Mr. Michael McLeod.

Opposition Spokespersons for Tourism and Transport, Shahine Robinson and Mike Henry are today calling on Transport and Works Minister, Dr. Omar Davis to clarify reports that the public sector run Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) plans to get involved in the tour and travel market.