At the same time, Phillips taunted the governing party for failing to implement its much-hailed anti-crime road map.

"The road map to a safe and secure Jamaica, which was promised, has led us into a cul-de-sac of more crime, more murder and an abandonment of the people of Jamaica to donmanship as the country shirks its international obligation," Phillips said yesterday.

The road map to a safe and secure Jamaica is a JLP crime-solving plan that was authored by Colonel Trevor MacMillan. The document called for, among other things, political parties to dissociate themselves from gangs and dons.

Promises not honoured

Speaking at the People's National Party (PNP) 71st annual conference at the National Arena yesterday, Phillips said the JLP has not honoured promises it made in the anti-crime plan and on campaign platforms.

The former party vice-president, who introduced PNP President Portia Simpson Miller, launched a thinly veiled attack on the Government for the way it has handled the extradition request for west Kingston strongman, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

Coke, the reputed leader of the JLP stronghold of Tivoli Gardens, is wanted in the United States for drug and gun trafficking.

Yesterday, Phillips told Comrades that the JLP has failed to demonstrate that it can handle the affairs of the country.

"... The Labour Party government failed the test ... . The verdict is in: The 'Driver' can't drive," Phillips said, hitting at the prime minister who used the moniker in his election campaign two years ago.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com