'Cowards all'- JLP accuses PNP of being afraid to face the electorate in by-elections
Published:Monday | March 14, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter
Officials of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) yesterday launched a broadside against the opposition People's National Party (PNP) over its decision not to contest the parliamentary by-election and four parish council by-elections set for April 4.
"Instead of being cowards and scurrying for cover in the corners, come out into daylight and let the Labour Party give you some political licks that you may never recover from," declared former JLP General Secretary Karl Samuda.
He was one of several JLP officials to use the platform at the party's Area Council One meeting in St Andrew, staged to throw down the gauntlet to the Opposition.
"We want the PNP in this race. Them keep running up them mouth ... . Meet us on Nomination Day with your candidates and allow the people of Jamaica to make that choice," challenged JLP Member of Parliament Robert Montague.
He was giving support to the party's deputy leader in charge of Area Council One, Desmond McKenzie.
Montague was the one to deliver the main message to the Labourites gathered at the Shortwood Teachers' College.
Election postpone
According to Montague, the Government was criticised by the Opposition when it decided to postpone the local government elections for one year because of the planned census exercise.
He said the postponement was to prevent any confusion over whether the census was being taken or if a political campaign was under way.
Montague said the Government adjusted its position after the PNP complained about the parish council divisions, which were without representation because the councillor had died.
He claimed that following discussions with the respective agencies, it was decided to have the parish council by-elections before the census started.
"The PNP was founded on self-determination, so there is no excuse for the party not to contest the election and offer the people choices," Montague argued.
"I am endorsing the deputy leader (McKenzie) in calling on the PNP to find candidates in the four divisions, and I would like to make them an offer. If they can't find suitable candidates, the Labour Party will make them an offer to find suitable candidates."
Montague, the state minister in charge of local government, also rejected the PNP's claim that the Government was spending an extraordinary amount of money in the divisions where the by-elections are to be held.
Well-needed projects
He pointed to several divisions and constituencies held by the Opposition where the Government is spending money on well-needed projects.
PNP Chairman Robert Pickersgill has argued that the Opposition was standing on principle in not contesting the by-elections.
"I wish to reiterate the PNP's position on by-elections that are occasioned by the resignation of a member of parliament due to ineligibility. The position of the party, as articulated in the 2009 by-election in North West Clarendon, is that we will not contest any by-election that arises under these circumstances," Pickersgill said last week.
"With respect to the four parish council by-elections, the party wishes to repeat the position, expressed at the March 2, 2011, press conference, that it has no intention of participating in any by-elections where it is clear that the Government is prepared to use State resources in a vulgar, partisan way to induce voters," added Pickersgill.
Voters in South West St Catherine will go to the polls on April 4 to elect a member of parliament.
On the same day, voters in Duncans, Trelawny; Spanish Town, St Catherine; Frankfield, Clarendon; and Norbrook in St Andrew will elect parish council representatives.