THE COUNCIL of Presidents of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has condemned what they call the recent aggressive and provocative actions of supporters of the two political candidates for the St. Catherine Central constituency, the Jamaica Labour Party's Member of Parliament, Miss Olivia "Babsy" Grange, and People's National Party candidate, Homer White.
The Presidents Council said the 2002 General Election should be the most peaceful election in the history of this country and these intemperate actions should not be allowed to become an example for others to follow. If there is any repetition of action such as these, the sponsoring political parties will be expected to discipline the candidates and sanction their actions by withdrawing party support for the candidates.
Last month, supporters of both Ms Grange and Mr. White complained of being attacked by their opponents after a controversy erupted over the placement of flags indicating support for either candidate in politically sensitive areas. The placement of some of the flags was called provocative.
"In 2002, Jamaicans must demand different and improved standards of behaviour than has been exhibited in the last few elections," said PSOJ President Oliver Clarke.
The PSOJ also congratulated Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair on his "prompt and effective intervention". All political parties need to work together to reduce the need for the services of the Political Ombudsman in keeping with the Political Code of Conduct, which decries inflammatory actions.
The Political Code of Conduct, signed June 2002, states, "The PNP and the JLP have agreed to repudiate any action by their members or supporters calculated to provoke, threaten or intimidate the members or supporters of the other party".
The PSOJ Presidents Council said it expected all political candidates to reject the use of violence or intimidation by any of their members or supporters and to affirm their commitment to non-violent relations.
