The People’s National Party (PNP) has clapped back at recent criticism by the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) questioning the move by the PNP to support attorney-at-law Isat Buchanan for the East Portland constituency.

The JLP questioned the PNP’s moral authority, citing Buchanan’s past as a two-time drug convict.

“The Jamaica Labour Party is of the view that having on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, announced by way of a formal press release a two-time drug convict and confessed cocaine smuggler, Isat Buchanan, as one of its candidates, the PNP has no moral authority to speak on matters concerning corruption, crime or ethics,” the JLP said.

However, the PNP said the recent criticisms from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) reveal a glaring hypocrisy and a blatant attempt at political opportunism regarding the issue of rehabilitation.

“The JLP has a history of embracing individuals with criminal convictions, including former ministers who have faced imprisonment for corruption. Notably, Cleve Lewis, a former JLP minister, was re-elected after conviction, demonstrating that past transgressions have not prevented political success within their ranks. Unfortunately for the JLP, a pattern emerges where former ministers who were convicted were members of their party, including J.A.G. Smith, who was imprisoned in the early 1990s after a conviction,” the PNP said.

“The PNP acknowledges that individuals can rehabilitate and return to serve their communities. Isat Buchanan’s past does not define him; rather, his commitment to positive change exemplifies the principles of redemption that the PNP advocates. This position is consistent with the party’s long-standing belief that everyone should have the opportunity to reintegrate into society and contribute meaningfully.”

The PNP further argued that the JLP has attempted to tarnish Buchanan’s reputation in stark contrast to their own history. The PNP noted that individuals such as the late Cleve Lewis, who was elected three times after leaving prison. The party added that every ex-minister who has gone to prison was a member of the JLP.

“While the PNP has never sought to politicise the past of any individual, the JLP’s current stance against Isat Buchanan underscores a troubling double standard. In 2021, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz had his visa reinstated with a rare discretionary waiver that reads: “212(d) (3) (A) WAIVER of 212 (A) (2C) (1).” In US immigration law, 212(A) (2C) (1) refers to inadmissibility due to controlled substance traffickers. Yet, this has faced no scrutiny by their members,” the PNP continued.

The party reaffirmed that Buchanan’s candidacy is a reflection of the PNP’s commitment to rehabilitation and service.