PNP peeved by sell-out, CIA slurs

CLEARLY STUNG by accusations labelling former National Security Minister, Dr Peter Phillips, a "sell-out", the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) says it has no problem with the term if the purpose of the controversial memoranda of understanding (MOUs) Phillips signed is to catch criminals.

"If by 'sell-out' it is meant that we are going to catch cross-border criminals, then we embrace the term," Opposition Spokesman on Justice, Senator A.J. Nicholson, told reporters yesterday.

However, he made it clear that the Opposition does not condone actions that breach the rights of Jamaicans.

"Nobody should be afraid of the Interception of Communications Act or the MOUs if they are doing right in the society," Nicholson added.

The use of the terms "sell-out" and "CIA", seemingly directed at Phillips arising from his decision to secretly sign the highly classified MOUs, triggered a heated exchange between government and opposition mem-bers in Parliament last week.

Disturbing comments

PNP attorney K.D. Knight, during a post-commission of enquiry press conference yesterday, said he was disturbed by the use of the term to describe Phillips' action.

He argued that a government official should not be considered a "sell-out" if he/she is able to use technology, in accordance with the law, to help stem an increase in criminal activities.

"Because what they have done is to say that they are supporting the evildoer, and Dr Phillips - the person who is normally regarded as the good guy - is being vilified.

"It seems like there are some persons in the society who would prefer evil to triumph over good than good to triumph over evil," he said.