PM calls for opposition to genuinely partner with gov't in crime fight

By Prince Moore    

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for the parliamentary opposition to partner with the government on the legislative agenda to address crime and violence.

 

Mr. Holness believes there is a need for genuine partnerships instead of a strategic one for political reasons.

 

He said the murder of eight Jamaicans in a single incident in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon further highlights the need for greater cooperation.

 

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has condemned the Clarendon killings, calling it a senseless massacre. 

 

Describing the incident as a terrorist attack, Mr. Golding said the opposition "stands ready to cooperate with the government to achieve bipartisan constitutional action, to come to grips with this utterly untenable situation". 

 

In response to that statement, the Prime Minister said he was happy to know that the opposition reinforces its willingness to cooperate. 

 

"The challenge is actions, rather than statements. The cooperation that is needed is under legislative agenda. I understand the positions of persons who may oppose the positions that I hold. The curious thing is that when roles are changed, then those persons who oppose the position I hold now adopt the position. So it says that sometimes the positions that are held are more strategic than genuine. And I think what Jamaica needs now is genuine partnership," Mr. Holness suggested.