Westmoreland police chief calls for peaceful political campaign

 

Head of the Westmoreland Police, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Francis has called for political candidates in the parish to conduct their campaigning in an atmosphere of peace. 

 

Speaking Thursday at the monthly meeting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, DSP Francis urged the councillors to encourage their supporters to maintain the peace in the coming weeks.

 

"So, as the impending election draws near, I want to use the opportunity to encourage us as leaders, as councillors and as representatives of the country to engender peace, goodwill, and ensure that our constituents remain safe during this time. As the police, we are charged to ensure that we maintain the peace. But it is also our responsibility as a council, as a people, as councillors, to speak to our constituents to avoid violence, to avoid confrontations, to avoid situations that may escalate to something that we don't want it to be," he urged. 

 

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica, in its role as political ombudsman, earlier this week called for all political parties and their supporters to demonstrate respect for each other and the democratic process.

 

The office encouraged political leaders to set the tone of unity, tolerance and restraint.