PM saddened by death of 15-year-old boy during political motorcade in Portmore
Published:Tuesday | February 20, 2024 | 3:14 PM
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed sadness at the death of the 15-year-boy who died while on a political motorcade in Portmore, St Catherine on Sunday.
Lamar Grey died after he fell from a bus as part of a People's National Party motorcade.
He was reportedly hanging from the bus and fell.
Holness, who is the leader of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), appealed to supporters during a campaign tour in East Portland on Monday night to travel with care during motorcades and ensure that they observe rules of the road.
“Our campaign must be normal, do not hangout of buses. And those riding bikes, be very careful,” said Holness.
“I took a little time and went through my newspaper and saw that a 15-year-old boy fell and died on a campaign, I believe it was in Portmore, Southboro. And this youngster, who was apparently on the PNP's campaign, had an accident, fell from a bus, and died. Very tragic and my heart goes out to his parents. And I'm sure all of you here are keeping that family in our prayers. It is really, really sad that this has happened,” he added.
Holness also acknowledged the incident in St Thomas where a JLP supporter was injured.
“Last night [Sunday night] I went to visit one of our workers, who was also the victim of an accident, where she lost a leg, was crushed, quite different circumstances. Boulders fell off and rolled onto a truck and damaged her leg and she had an amputation. Really, really sad.
“So I want to say to all of you here when we call you out to come on campaign, I have a responsibility to make sure that whatever we do it is done orderly and it is done with your safety and security in mind,” Holness added.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for West Portland Daryl Vaz has charged that the JLP will win all nine municipal divisions in Portland on election day.
In 2016, JLP took seven seats to two by the PNP - Prospect and Port Antonio.
Speaking at a mass rally in Port Antonio on Monday night, Vaz said things will be different this time around.
“Mek I tell you something, cah you know that I am a political scientist, mi nuh inna di lay-lay and di ray-ray, mi inna di figures and the strategy. And I can tell you tonight that Port Antonio and Prospect gone…. dem say time come, but mi say time come fi Prospect and Port Antonio.”
- Gareth Davis Snr
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