Holness accuses PNP of attempting to normalise criminality

By Nakinskie Robinson   

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is accusing the opposition People's National Party of attempting to normalise criminality in the Jamaican society.

 

Referencing the PNP's decision to oppose the extended use of states of emergency in recent years, the Jamaica Labour Party leader placed blame at the opposition's feet for the runaway crime rate.

 

He said the PNP has been complicit with crime and has embraced criminals for political gain. 

 

Mr. Holness accused the PNP of working to undo years of ethics and law and order in Jamaica. 

 

"The breakdown in respect between citizen and the police did not happen overnight. It happened as a result of the introduction of 'PNPism' into the culture of Jamaica; a breakdown of all systems, values and respect for authority and institutions. That is PNPism. It is not going to be corrected overnight," he suggested.  

 

Mr. Holness further argued that the crime situation in Mandeville is due to this 'PNPism'.

 

"Now we see a certain type of crime emerging, a kind of crime that I can only say, bwoy, this look like PNPism. It just look like PNPism. And is not me say suh, is dem come out and defend it. Dem see certain crimes going on in this community. We as a government will never give any form of protection, sucker, coverage to any criminality, criminal or criminal behaviour because that is the difference between us and them. They are not like us," he asserted. 

 

The JLP leader was speaking at a Manchester Central constituency meeting at Manchester High School on Sunday night.