Prime Minister sets the record straight

THE EDITOR, Sir:

ON MORE than one occasion since the unfortunate events that took place in West Kingston in July, the Leader of the Opposition has been quoted by press reports as saying that I expressed no sympathy for those affected and that I said, "If I have to, I'll do it again".

In the latest report, he is quoted as saying that I made the remark in New York.

None of what Mr. Seaga has said is true. The records will show that in my address to the nation of Sunday, July 15, 2001, I said: "On behalf of the Government let me express my profound sorrow at the loss of lives and sincere sympathy to all those who have been deprived of loves ones."

I went on to say, "While we are yet to determine the exact circumstances surrounding each of those who died, I recognise that each family affected, will suffer a deep sense of bereavement. Our nation is grieving. We simply cannot afford any recurrence of the tragic events of recent days".

Indeed, the newspaper, which repeated the falsehood by Mr. Seaga was at pains to correct him in its report by stating: "Mr. Patterson actually offered sympathy to the families during a broadcast to the nation after the incident".

I have done so publicly on many other occasions.

As to the allegation that I made the comments in New York, the fact is my planned visit there from October 24-29, will be my first visit to New York since the July upsurge of violence in West Kingston. I have not made any such statement elsewhere, whether at home or abroad.

I sense that what is behind this fabrication, is to make it appear as though I, as Prime Minister, ordered the Security Forces to carry out the operation in question. I categorically deny that I issued any such orders to the Security Forces or had any previous knowledge of the exercise.

The police presence in the area was not the subject of any political instruction nor will the Government ever condone the Security Forces embarking on a political agenda. I certainly would have no occasion on which to say in regard to the western Kingston operation that, "I would do it again", since the orders for the operation did not come from me in the first place.

Particularly at a time when the cry is for peace and unity, we must all refrain from any utterance which could prejudice a positive outcome, but I cannot in the interest of truth, refrain from setting the record straight..

I am etc.,

P.J. PATTERSON

Prime Minister

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