People's National Party (PNP) maintains 'no talks' stance

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Wednesday | August 1, 2007

Despite two alleged politically motivated acts of violence on the weekend, the People's National Party (PNP) has maintained that they will not have talks with the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), unless the Political Ombudsman or the Church mediates the discussion.

While the police say their investigations have not detected a political connection in the death of Howard Archer, 38, several residents of Gordon Town, St. Andrew, have become cautious since the incident last Friday.

Archer, who was killed in a drive-by shooting, is a known PNP supporter turned JLP activist.

On Sunday, political violence occurred in Black River, St. Elizabeth, after the death of JLP supporter Lloyd Richard along Holland Bamboo Avenue in the parish.

A few houses in the capital were destroyed by persons said to be JLP supporters.

Speaking with The Gleaner on Monday, Donald Buchanan, general secretary of the PNP, said the party was not having a change of heart regarding peace talks with the JLP.

Must name team

The general secretary has also claimed that, at a meeting held a couple of weeks ago with Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair, it was agreed that both parties must name a team that would meet for discussions.

Buchanan charged that each party was to be notified of the selected team members. He said the JLP was yet to advise the party of their team members while they have.

"So even if we were to meet, they have no team. We can't meet with ghosts, have to meet with people," Buchanan said.

PNP members

The PNP's general secretary added that the party's team comprises himself, Paul Robertson, Paul Burke and Colin Campbell.

Karl Samuda, general secretary of the JLP, however, said that a team has been named but it was not important to inform the PNP of the members.

"There were no agreement to make the list public. We have a team and that's the end of it," he added.

The JLP's general secretary said that the list submitted to the Ombudsman consists of himself, Dwight Nelson, Babsy Grange and Desmond McKenzie.

Bishop Blair told The Gleaner that he was unable to fully comment on the issue. "It is, however, nothing new. They (politicians) say it all the time that they are not willing to talk to each other," Bishop Blair said.