JLP, PNP clash over bomb threats

 

Jamaica's two major political parties have clashed over Friday's bomb threat incident.

 

The bomb threats were received by several government ministries, departments and agencies on Friday morning, but following an assessment, the Jamaica Constabulary Force said the threats posed "zero to low risk" and all offices were deemed safe to be reoccupied. 

 

The threats were received via email. 

 

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang, earlier on Friday, alleged that the bomb threats were carried out by elements within the People's National Party (PNP).

 

Dr. Chang, who did not provide any evidence for his assertion, said PNP operatives were attempting to disrupt Friday's special services voting exercise.

 

In a swift response, the PNP said it strongly rejects what it termed the false and desperate accusations made by Dr. Chang in seeking to link the party to the bomb threats. 

 

PNP General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell argued that Dr. Chang's rush to spread what he called false allegations without evidence is usually a sign of complicity. 

 

Dr. Campbell accused Dr. Chang of rushing to make his allegations ahead of a determination by the authorities. 

 

PNP campaign spokesperson Donna Scott Mottley urged supporters of the party to go out and vote on September 3. She also called for them to remain resolute despite what she described as distractions swirling around them. 

 

"I really want to frankly add my thanks to the members of the security forces, knowing that they serve and protect. We respect the sacrifices which they make. But we also know that Jamaicans are resolute about exercising their franchise. And I encourage everybody who is listening today to remember that on September 3rd, do not let anything stop you from going out to vote. You must vote, and voting for Jamaicans - those of us who are born here with our birth certificates in our hand," she stressed. 

 

Mrs. Scott Mottley was speaking Friday at a PNP press conference.