Left: Campbell Town, Kingston. Right: Kingston Gardens in Kingston.

Despite concerns that political graffiti causes tension between rival party supporters, Political Ombudsman Herro Blair has other ideas.

He believes the display of flags and political markings on side-walks and buildings does not influence political behaviour. He says people have scant regard for these inscriptions.

"In most cases, Jamaicans are immune to this thing. Many people don't even see it," he told The Gleaner recently. "Personally, I look at this (graffiti) as garbage that defaces the place and affects its beauty."

Political graffiti comprises any political marking in a public space which could give rise to conflict between divergent party supporters.

"It's a breach of the code and it is [simply] not allowed," said Blair, also head of the Peace Manage-ment Initiative which promotes conciliatory strategies in troubled communities.

No defacing

The Political Code of Conduct stipulates that "buildings and installations" should not be defaced. It states: "There should be no defacing of any structure, roadway or installation (whether privately or publicly owned) for the purpose of displaying any political message or slogan except in such manner as is permitted by law."

All breaches of the Political Code of Conduct will be investigated by the Political Ombudsman; therefore, he has the power to have the graffiti removed, but it must be formally brought to his attention.

However, it is suggested that residents first speak to the Member of Parliament for the area in which the breach is identified. If no reasonable action is taken, the complaint should then be made to the ombudsman who will speak to the representative of the area. If the ombudsman's request is not complied with, the complaint could reach as far as the party leader.

As the political hustings reach to fever pitch, with elections only six weeks away, several candidates have protested the defacing of billboards and constituency offices and the placement of party flags on utility poles.

Left: Spanish Town, St. Catherine. Right: Spanish Town Road in Kingston. - photos by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer