In Jamaica, the leader of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) , Dr. Peter Phillips, says a future PNP government will move to have fixed dates set for staging by-elections in Jamaica.
In an address to delegates at the 79th annual conference of the party on Sunday, Phillips said – “No prime minister will be able to play games with the calling of by-elections.”
Accuses PM on reneging on commitment
Phillips who was appointed as PNP president earlier this year, also accused Prime Minister Andrew Holness of reneging on a commitment to name a date for by-elections in the eastern parish of St Andrew. He said, “The window for these assurances has already closed and no date has been announced.”
By-elections are scheduled for the constituencies of St Mary South East, St Andrew South, and St Andrew South West.
Phillips said the PNP has made it clear to the government that the people of the three constituencies who are without a member of parliament urgently need representation.
By-elections due in three constituencies
All three constituencies were represented by the PNP including former prime minister Portia Simpson Miller, and Dr. Omar Davies, who have both retired from active politics.
The other parliamentarian, Dr. Winston Green, died suddenly a few weeks ago.
Phillips said voters in those constituencies “need a champion to advocate for their road repairs, their water supply, health centers and all the things people need to get on with their lives.”
Phillips criticizes ZOSO
During his address, Phillips criticized the recent Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) Act which the government has termed to be part of its strategy to deal with Jamaica’s crime wave.
Phillips called on the government to take concrete steps to allocate resources to national security and restore police confidence. He said the PNP was prepared to meet with the present administration and other stakeholders to discuss the fight against crime and make Jamaica a peaceful society.
