Political meetings banned in troubled constituencies
Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas
Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Friday | August 17, 2007
The candidates of the two major political parties have supported the decision of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) to ban the staging of political meetings and motorcades in the troubled West St. Thomas and South East St. Elizabeth constituencies.
Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas said the recommendation of the ECJ, to withdraw with immediate effect, police permission for the staging of political meetings, marches, motorcades, rallies and tours in the constituencies, has been accepted.
"The recommendation to withdraw police permission for the stated activities in the aforementioned constituencies was received this (yesterday) afternoon by the commissioner in a letter from the chairman of the ECJ, Professor Errol Miller," a release issued by Mr. Thomas said.
At the same time, Norman Horne, People's National Party candidate for South East St. Elizabeth, said the ECJ, Mr. Thomas and Political Ombudsman Herro Blair must consider sanctions for political parties or candidates who provoke violence.
"I would like for them to take one step further, not only to suspend but to sanction political parties or candidates where there is clear or sufficient evidence that they are inciting violence," Mr. Horne said.
Morant Bay meeting still on
At the same time, James Robertson, the incumbent for the Jamaica Labour Party in West St. Thomas, said the political meeting scheduled for today in Morant Bay, which is located in the eastern constituency, is still on.
"We will work with whatever position the ECJ and the police take in the interest of the people and the constituency," Mr. Robertson said.
He added: "We will tone down our campaign, cut out motorcades, and go to small classroom meetings."
Danville Walker, director of elections, said the decision was made based on a number of incidents that took place in the constituencies, shortly before and since nomination day.
