PNP condemns purported ‘irresponsible, dangerous’ rhetoric from PM
/ Our Today
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The People’s National Party (PNP) strongly condemns what it purports to be “inflammatory and reckless statements” made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness at a political rally on Sunday night.
According to the PNP, Holness incited Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters to confront peaceful demonstrators across the country.
The party in a release said that in response to the PNP’s lawful and peaceful protest against corruption and political interference, the Holness urged Labourites to “protest in your workplace, to protest in the market, to protest wherever you are”, labelling the demonstrators as agents of “badmindism” and referring to a “different Labourite” who is no longer afraid.
“Such language, especially coming from the head of government, is deeply irresponsible and dangerous. It was not a call for civil engagement; it was a call to confrontation. In a country where political tensions have too often turned deadly, this rhetoric recklessly endangers the safety of ordinary Jamaicans and undermines the very foundations of our democracy,” the PNP release said.
According to the release, the PNP’s protest today will be peaceful, principled, and within the bounds of the law. “We will not be deterred by threats, nor distracted from our mission to hold this government accountable for its actions,” it said.
PNP General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell stated: “Jamaica knows all too well the cost of political violence. For the prime minister to instruct supporters to confront peaceful citizens in markets, workplaces, and public spaces is not only reckless, it is an incitement that puts lives at risk. We must never return to a time when politics was a source of fear and division. The safety of our people cannot be sacrificed for political gain.”
The PNP calls on all well-thinking Jamaicans, civil society organisations, the private sector, and the international community to take note of this dangerous escalation and hold the prime minister accountable for his words. We must never allow democracy to be replaced with intimidation.
The PNP remains committed to peaceful advocacy and the defence of democratic institutions. We urge all Jamaicans to remain calm and focused as we continue to press for transparency, accountability, and good governance.
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