An attempt to intimidate my people - Holness

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Thursday | August 9, 2007

Andrew Holness, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for West Central St. Andrew, says he will be seeking the help of the police and the Political Ombudsman to address recent drive-by shootings in the constituency.

Addressing an emergency press conference yesterday on Olympic Way, Holness said the recent shooting were an attempt to intimidate his supporters.

He said there was a plot to disrupt his Nomination Day proceedings where persons shot up a dance that was held the night before.

"It worked, maybe, up until 9 o'clock (Tuesday), because everyone was scared and off the road and it has sparked people putting up roadblocks because there are fears that there will be more drive-by shootings," he said.

Police presence

Holness said already he has contacted the police for them to maintain a presence in the constituency, and that he would be writing to Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair to make a formal complaint.

He said while he would not be quick to say who was responsible for the latest shooting, he encouraged the hierarchy of the People's National Party to rein in its supporters.