PM Holness blames PNP leadership for political tribalism

 

Prime Minister and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Dr. Andrew Holness has blamed the leadership of the People's National Party (PNP) for the political tribalism he says he has encountered, especially in the Kingston Central constituency. 

 

Following a walkthrough of a section of the constituency with supporters and Member of Parliament Donovan Williams on Thursday, Dr. Holness said the level of anger displayed by PNP supporters was concerning. 

 

Prime Minister Holness, who was in the area for the groundbreaking of the Haven Housing Development along Hanover Street, reiterated that the PNP was envious of the success of the ruling party in responding to the needs of the people.

 

"The PNP are angry. They are not celebratory; they are angry. Can you imagine, they are angry to see their fellow Jamaicans exercise their God-given political right to walk peacefully in their community and put up posters if they wish. They are angry. They are angry at seeing people getting houses, and that is wat tells you that they are not good, they are badminded. They have a bad way of thinking." 

 

Dr. Holness said he does not blame PNP supporters for being angry, noting that "they are angry only because their leadership tell them to be angry; their leadership is sending the wrong message to them."  

 

Alluding to Tuesday's shooting incident in the Kingston Central constituency involving MP Williams and a group of JLP supporters, the Prime Minister said he believes people should be able have opposing views "without shooting after wi one another. Those days are behind us and those people who espouse that must be dealt with in the harshest way."

 

Dr. Holness said despite the aggression showed by the opposition, he is calling for JLP supporters not to reciprocate but to show peace and love.

 

The police have said no motive has been established for the shooting which happened while Mr. Williams and his campaign team were erecting signs at the corner of Lower South Camp Road and Tower Street. 

 

The Criminal Investigations Branch is probing a report that gunmen emerged from a motor vehicle and opened fire at the group. 

 

The latest shooting in the constituency has added to the tension between the two major political parties. 

 

The police said another incident that took place in the vicinity of a JLP rally last month was not politically motivated.