JLP accuses PNP of ‘angry and desperate’ election campaign

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) election campaign director Dr Christopher Tufton on Wednesday accused the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) of embarking on what he dubbed an “angry and desperate campaign”, warning that the JLP is prepared to push back against defamatory statements made against its members, both inside and outside of the court.

Reviewing Tuesday night’s election debate on the nation’s economy, Tufton cited constant accusations made by the PNP’s Peter Bunting about members of the JLP being involved in illicit enrichment.

“He was citing numbers and pointing fingers—if not explicitly, then implicitly,” Tufton said, noting that in some instances on social media, questions and generalised statements are directed at him and the prime minister.

“For us, it comes across in no uncertain terms as a desperate, last-ditch attempt by the PNP to smear the Jamaica Labour Party as an organisation, and indeed its members,” said Tufton.

“They have also sought to weaponise—whether it's the Integrity Commission, its reports, or they're just rumour-mongering—in order to win votes.”

“We know there is a lot at stake on September 3. We understand that. They have been in the wilderness for a while and are desperate. They have pursued a campaign that is angry. I've never discerned a campaign with so much anger coming from a platform as I've seen coming from the orange army,” he continued, noting that the JLP and its members have tried to refrain from responding.

Tufton was speaking on Wednesday at a JLP media conference held at the party’s headquarters on Belmont Road in St Andrew.

- Corey Robinson

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