If one thought the recession and the perceived below-par performance of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) would drive supporters underground, think again.

Long before Deputy Leader Desmond McKenzie shouted a long and loud "Freedom!" inside the National Arena in Kingston on Sunday, Labourites were in a party mood, proclaiming no mountain was too high to climb.

General Secretary Karl Samuda said the strong turnout reflected the commitment of supporters.

"Thank you for showing the Jamaican people that no matter how difficult things are, you are here with us through thick and thin," Samuda said.

A St Mary woman told The Gleaner that the number of supporters at a conference sent a message to the People's National Party that "it is not Bruce fault why the country mash up".

30 years of loyalty

Athol Pusey, a 59-year-old Manchester man, was among the capacity crowd which was searched by police at the entrance.

Armed with his party's bell in hand, Pusey said he was not going to miss the conference for the world.

"If is 10 smaddy did come, mi woulda inna di 10," he told The Gleaner.

"Is 30 years mi a come a conference and mi know when di crowd committed to di party like weh mi si today."

Derrick Smith, a former deputy leader who said goodbye as an officer of the party, gave an emotional farewell.

"The road is rough and it perhaps will get tougher," Smith said.

"You, the backbone of the JLP, have to stay with the leadership to paddle the ship out of these difficult waters."

Kavan Gayle, president of the JLP-aligned Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, said the massive turnout allayed fears of a lukewarm response.

"The only time you see this vibes at conference is on the eve of an election," Gayle said.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com