Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (left) greets Opposition Leader Bruce Golden (right), during the Congress for Peace and Justice seminar, held yesterday at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston. Looking on is National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

AS THE country draws closer to another general election, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, in a show of unity, sent a strong signal yesterday to supporters of both political parties, when they embraced and kissed each other at a peace conference organised by the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.

Both political leaders pledged that in the upcoming election they would do whatever was necessary to facilitate a peaceful period of campaigning and a violent-free national poll.

"I firmly and resolutely pledge to the Jamaican people to use every ounce of my strength and influence to ensure that we have a peaceful election," Mrs. Simpson Miller said, adding that party workers and supporters must join this initiative of peace.

Banishing 'bad' politicians

But the Prime Minister not only voiced her commitment for peace, she also recommended that candidates in the political process who breached the Political Code of Conduct, should be tried by constituents, and if found guilty, be banished from the political scene.

For his part, the Opposition Leader said that whoever formed the next administration, needed the support of all Jamaicans, and as such, the country should put in place "the institutional framework that made every one feel that they were shareholders in this enterprise that we call Jamaica".

"I am going to be as strong as is necessary within my own party to let every person who support my party understand that we are in to a new paradigm, it's a new ball game, and, therefore, we expect a certain kind of behaviour, and we are going to insist on that," Golding said.

He said wayward supporters must be reigned in, and be made to conform to a certain standard of behaviour.

Mr. Golding said that while there was a reduction in political violence in Jamaica, violence continued to be a major problem locally.

He said the country should now admit and confront that there was a culture of violence that has become endemic in Jamaica.

The inaugural Congress for Peace and Justice seminar with the theme 'Swelling the River of Peace', was attended by scores of community organisations which work with the PMI to promote peace, particularly in inner-city communities.