By Vernon Daley, Staff ReporterTHE GOVERNMENT yesterday moved a motion in the House of Representatives to censure Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Edward Seaga for recent controversial statements in which he vowed to bring down the Government.
Yesterday's move was a clear retaliation for a JLP motion to censure Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. Omar Davies for his recent comments. At a recent People's National Party constituency conference Dr. Davies suggested that before last October's General Election, the Government made public spending decisions on some major projects aimed at giving the party an advantage.
The Government's motion, which was moved by backbencher Sharon Hay-Webster (South Central St. Catherine), said Mr. Seaga's statements were "highly inflammatory and an invitation to incite public disorder and by extension disrupt the socio-economic life of the country".
Reacting last week to Prime Minister P.J. Patterson's defence of Minister Davies' statements, Mr. Seaga said the JLP would withdraw support from the
Government in critical areas and "oppose, oppose, oppose this regime until we bring it down".
"Now that every appeal to reason and justice has failed, our decision is the only course available to seek relief from mismanagement and corruption which is wrecking all hopes for Jamaica's future," the Opposition Leader said.
Mr. Seaga's statements set off a storm of criticism from the Government and some members of the public who argued that it was an attempt to undermine the democratically elected government of the country.
According to the government's motion, Mr. Seaga's statements could lead to the loss of investment opportunities and further sully the international image of the country.
It added that similar statements have been made by Mr. Seaga "on several previous occasions which have resulted in mayhem, disruption, civil disorder, dislocation and destabilisation of the economy".
The motion calls on the House to censure Mr. Seaga for the comments and ask him to withdraw statements about bringing down the Government.
