Private sector groups condemn security threats, call for swift investigation

The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica have strongly condemned the security threats and "any other actions intended to disrupt or undermine the democratic process of voting in Jamaica".

They are calling for the security forces to be proactive and put measures in place to strongly discourage and respond to similar "scare tactics" on election day.

Since today's security threats at several government agencies and a bank, there have been claims and counterclaims from both major political parties regarding the source of and motives for the disruption.

The threats come the same day members of the security forces and election day workers cast ballots ahead of next Wednesday’s general election.

In a statement to the media this afternoon, the private sector groups said Jamaica has "come too far to allow fear and intimidation to compromise the rights of our

people".

They note that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of Jamaica's democracy, secured through the struggles and sacrifices of the nation's forefathers.

Noting that this year marks Jamaica’s 18th general election, the groups said while the country has made strides since its violent past, it cannot revert to those dark days.

They said in recent elections, voter turnout fell to just 48 per cent in 2016 and a record low of 37 per cent in 2020, a "deeply troubling" development.

"Today, the reckless threats may have caused major disruptions to businesses, eroding productivity, and creating financial losses for ordinary Jamaicans. However, these gimmicks have made our resolve even stronger, as the will of the Jamaican people and Jamaica’s electoral process will stand firm," the groups said.

The private sector groups are calling for the police to act swiftly to identify those behind these actions and ensure the justice system deals with them to the fullest extent of the law.

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