Holness scoffs at claim local polls a referendum on his leadership

Jamaica Labour Party leader, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has dismissed arguments that the local government election is a referendum on his government's leadership.

His comment follows a statement by Opposition Leader Mark Golding that the results of the February 26 election will be an indictment on the stewardship of the administration.

“Every day my leadership goes through a referendum. This is no different. This is one in a series of events that every day speak in a critical way to my leadership and governance,” said Holness.

He acknowledged that his administration is not perfect, but said when compared to previous administrations it has done far better.

“The bar of comparison for us the Jamaica Labour Party and certainly for me has been set very high. That critical bar is not set for the PNP. The people who criticise us today were silent when the PNP was in power,” said Holness.

Further, he said when the opposition party's actions warrant criticism civil society remains silent.

“So in my opinion they have no credibility. If you compare us as the Jamaica Labour Party to what governments before have done there is no question, none whatsoever, incontrovertible that we have done better,” he said.

- Kimone Francis

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