POLICE HEAD TALKS TOUGH ABOUT ELECTION CAMPAIGN
The police say they are not going to allow any foolishness or action that get in the way of a fair and peaceful Local Government election.
(SSP Dwight Powell)
Head of the St Ann Police Senior Superintendent Dwight Powell is warning candidates that he will come down hard on any action that contravenes the peace and sullies the reputation of St Ann. “Don’t mash up the parish,” SSP Powell said. He said he would be coming down hard on candidates who caused confrontation and broke the laws relating to the Representation of the People’s Act and the Public Order Act.
At a meeting Tuesday morning, February 6, ahead of Nomination Day for the 16 Divisions in the parish, SSP Powell said the police were taking very seriously their duty to protect the peace and support the Electoral Office of Jamaica in holding free and fair elections.
Most of the candidates for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP)and at least two Independents were present at the meeting, at the Police Headquarters in St Ann’s Bay.
SSP Powell implored them to inform the police of all meetings and planned motorcades. He said police must get in writing, all requests for motorcades. These must be provided three days before the event.
He insisted also that there should be
- No body protruding from vehicles in motorcades
- No driving from side to side on the road
- No blocking of thoroughfares
- No two parties holding meetings in the same place at the same time
- No confrontations
- No meetings continuing after midnight
- No graffiti on public spaces
Candidates were given details of the planned time for nomination of PNP, JLP, and Independent Candidates for the four constituencies (Electoral Offices) of the parish. The arrangements are to prevent supporters of the different parties and Independents from coming into the Nomination centres at the same time.
SSP Powell was supported at the meeting by senior officers of the St Ann police. The returning Officer for North East St Ann, Rupert Burton also spoke at the meeting.
Here’s SSP Powell, watch:
