MP Ann-Marie Vaz urges peace in Portland East amid tensions over removal of political flags

Member of Parliament for Portland East, Ann-Marie Vaz, is appealing for calm in the constituency amid incidents of political party flags being removed and destroyed.

There has been tension among supporters of both major political parties arising from the removals.

On Friday, the MP decried what she described as an increase in violent activities, which she said appear to be disrupting the peace traditionally enjoyed by residents.

According to Vaz, incidents of flags being ripped down, along with reports of verbal abuse and threats, are among the issues occurring in the constituency—matters she said will be brought to the attention of the police for investigation.

"Portland is a peaceful parish, but over the last couple of weeks, there have been incidents of threats and verbal abuse, which appear to be politically motivated," she said.

"This MP will not point fingers at anyone without the facts. But all I am appealing for is peace, and this should take precedence over everything else. Remember that when the election is over, we all have to live with each other in the same communities," she added.

Last week, tempers flared among supporters of the Opposition People's National Party and the ruling Jamaica Labour Party over allegations that political flags and other paraphernalia were torn down and burned.

Tension over the issue remains high.

- Gareth Davis Snr

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