JLP blasts PNP for politicising civic events

Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer



The Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is condemning what it says is the politicisation of some civic events by the governing People’s National Party (PNP).



The JLP describes as reprehensible the omission of the colour green from the Jamaican flag at the swearing in ceremony for the new Mayor of Montego Bay.



JLP spokesman, Senator Arthur Williams, says it is disgraceful that a national symbol could have been treated in such a way and is accusing the PNP of playing politics.



Senator Williams claims partisan politics also marred swearing in ceremonies in Portmore where former mayor Keith Hines was heckled and in Savanna-la-mar where the new mayor said he was unwilling to work with green men.



Turning to yesterday’s swearing in of councillors at the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation, the opposition says it’s concerned that the mayor broke tradition by moving the ceremony from the Council’s chambers to the Jamaica Conference Centre.



The party claims the decision was taken without input from JLP councillors.



However, speaking at the ceremony yesterday Mayor of Kingston Angella Brown Burke maintained that no rule or procedures were broken, adding that notices of the change of venue were sent out well in advance.



jerome.reynolds@gleanerjm.com