KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has postponed its mass rally scheduled to be held in the Corporate area on Sunday, to avoid any potential political clashes between its supporters and those of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
The rally was scheduled to be held in Cross Roads, approximately two miles from Half Way Tree, where the JLP will be having a mass political meeting on Sunday.
The PNP has criticised the JLP’s “belated decision” to schedule a political event in Half-Way-Tree on the same day, saying it creates an unnecessary overlap that risks placing supporters of both parties nearby.
The party says it is committed to ensuring peace, order, and national stability during the election campaign, especially at this critical juncture.
“In the interest of public safety and to avoid any strain on the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the PNP has made the responsible decision to reschedule the KSA [Kingston and St Andrew] Parish Meeting,” said the party in a media release on Friday.
“Public safety must never be sacrificed for political theatre,” argued PNP General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell.
“We refuse to contribute to any avoidable conflict or allow the Prime Minister to use a manufactured clash as an excuse to delay the calling of elections further. Jamaica deserves better,” he said.
On Sunday, Prime Minister and JLP Leader Dr Andrew Holness is expected to announce the date for the next general election at the mass rally.
Meanwhile, to manage the expected crowds and maintain order, the Jamaica Constabulary Force will implement significant traffic changes in both areas from 11:00 a.m. (local time) Sunday to midnight Monday, August 11, with several roads set to close and traffic rerouted.
The JLP has held power since 2016 and is seeking a historic third consecutive term.
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