Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer

Bruce Golding is greeted by supporters during a tour of East Rural St. Andrew, yesterday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Leader of the Opposition Bruce Golding is concerned about reports suggesting that the recent flare-up in violence in West Central St. Andrew was linked to political tension, and has promised to "see to what extent there is anything we can do to diffuse whatever tension exists there."

The constituency is represented by Opposition Member of Parliament Andrew Holness.

Mr. Golding, however, believes that the upcoming election will be free of the political violence that is characteristic of general elections. "I'm very optimistic that the election will be a peaceful one and a non-confrontational one," he told The Sunday Gleaner. "In so far as the tensions are concerned, we are doing everything we can to ensure that the political activity that is associated with the preparations for election doesn't go beyond normal bounds of robust political competitiveness," added Mr. Golding.

But he accused Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller of holding the country at ransom by her indecision to declare an election date, and called on her to announce a date at today's session of the People's National Party annual conference.

"If she intends to serve out the rest of her term, then she really has a duty when she speaks at her conference to come out and tell the people, so that the country can come off the edge of the chair and get on with normal business," Mr. Golding stated.

Mr. Golding was speaking with the Sunday Gleaner at the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) tour of East Rural St. Andrew, yesterday. The seat, which is currently held by the opposition's Joseph Hibbert, was host to a motorcade throughout sections of the constituency. Mr. Hibbert is confident of victory in the upcoming election, and believes the party has enough support in the constituency to afford him a second term.