PNP shoots down State of Emergency

Opposition shuns extension request by security forces

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

THE Opposition yesterday jettisoned the three-parish State of Emergency by withholding support for its further extension, in the face of a reduced number of Government members in the House.

Appearing to take advantage of the fact that only 25 of the 32 Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) MPs were present in Parliament, all 18 People's National Party (PNP) MPs in the chamber abstained en bloc, effectively killing the motion to extend the State of Emergency by a month from Thursday (tomorrow) when it ends.

Goverment legal minds were last night agonising over how the State of Emergency could be saved, in order to keep the pressure on criminals who have been on the run since the measure was first announced on May 23 in the Corporate Area and further extended by a month, to cover St Catherine as well.

"They were looking at whether there was a way that the Governor General could intervene, as it was believed it would not be possible to take the matter back to the House," a highly placed source told the Observer.

The source noted that the prime minister had been able to advise the head of state to call the State of Emergency without going to the House, but that he could only get the extension with the support of a majority of 31 MPs.

Falling short by six MPs, who were said to be overseas, the Government yesterday failed to convince the Opposition to support Prime Minister Bruce Golding's resolution to extend the State of Emergency for another month.

Golding argued in vain that it was the security forces who had asked for the extension in a July 19 letter, and that it would "be playing Russian roulette with the country's security" not to grant the extension.

"We would be risking a regression from the significant advances that have been made if in the face of the recommendations of the security forces we were to say 'enough is enough, this is as far as we are prepared to go'," Golding told Parliament.

His reference was to the dramatic fall in crime, especialy in the murder rate which has hit record lows as police and soldiers turned up the heat on criminals.

Golding added that the security forces had recommended that the measure also be put in force for Clarendon. He had also made it clear to the commissioner of police and the head of the Jamaica Defence Force that neither the public nor the security forces must be allowed to feel that law enforcement and containment of crime must be contingent on emergency powers.

The security forces had convinced him that they needed more time based on the intelligence they had to complete their operations and commence mop up after August 21.

"I propose to place the resolution squarely in the hand of Parliament," Golding said, a clear recognition that his Government was at the mercy of the Opposition.

But the prime minister's appeal fell on stony ground as the Opposition PNP remained unmoved.

"The security forces say they wish more time to mop up their operations, that is not an established reason for the extension of a State of Emergency," Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller countered.

She said the country was "divided" over extending the State of Emergency, the Opposition could not give its consent without getting critical information needed to take such a decision, such as the number of persons detained and charged, among other things.

Opposition spokeman on national security, Peter Bunting was more stinging in his rejection of Golding's arguments.

He declared that the reasons offered by the prime minister for seeking the extension, like the need for the security forces to continue search and cordons on entire communities and to be able to detain persons while gathering evidence to prosecute them, were not justified.

"That is the behaviour of a police or fascist state. We cannot agree for persons to be held month after month... just because the security forces ask for it doesn't mean it should be rubber-stamped," Bunting stated.

He said the State of Emergency was no substitute for a comprehensive crime plan which the Government was yet to present, adding that curfews and cordons could be executed without a State of Emergency being imposed.

Appearing to open the door to a compromise, the Opposition called for a 10-minute recess to allow for consultations between senior party members. But after 22 minutes of haggling, there was a clear split -- 25 for, 18 abstentions -- when the matter was put to the vote.

At a hastily arranged press briefing to explain its actions, the Opposition blamed the Government for not accepting its proposal to extend the measure for an additional 15 days, at which time the situation would be reviewed and then another 15 days allowed for the security forces to wind down operations.

"The Government took the position that either we agreed to their 30 days at one shot or not at all... The Government was not willing to listen to our proposals," Bunting told journalists.

The Opposition also insisted that it was not against giving the police increased powers to do their jobs or the State of Emergency itself, but that the Government needed to furnish it with more information than had been given yesterday, instead of trying to force them to "act under political pressure".

The Government in May had declared the limited State of Public Emergency as it intensified attempts to arrest reputed Tivoli Gardens don, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, who was subsequently extradited to the United States to face drug and gunrunning charges.

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COMMENTS (37)

pat green
7/21/2010

This is a big joke, I dont see why the Govt refused the offer of 15 days with option to review. They are now the leaders and if they were serious about this as claimed they should gladly take the 15 days then provide the information asked for and ensure that their members are present to vote for the extention. You know how much can be achieved in 15 days? You got 1/2 of what you asked for and you no tek it? Why? Also where is the plan B, any leader worth dem salt keep one in him back pocket

Desmond Nembhard
7/21/2010

OHHHHHHH MYYYYYY GODDDDDD!!! Tell me this entire article is a mis-print pleaseeee!! And to think the PNP claimed they put people first. Apparently, the action of the security forces were putting a major dent into the PNP's activities island wide. The words I'm tempted to use right now, I can't as I would only be showing my anger through ignorance. How could the PNP be so selfish!!!! I could understand if this SoE wasn't reaping any success, but come onnnnn!!!!!! I can't type anymore. GRRRRR!!!

Concerned Citizen
7/21/2010

Thank Goodness!! The PM wants to extend the S.O.E. for a MOP-UP Excercise? It is clear he does not understand the implicatctions of a S.O.E. and more clear to me that the JCF do not know what their powers are, as much of what they are doing can be done without the S.O.E. The only difference is WE as citizens would still have our rights in tact (theoretically)!! I can't believe I would ever say this but THANK YOU PNP, from a dissillusioned labourite!

Dcaudz Robinson
7/21/2010

nervous investor & c. brown....i think u r spot on, i am not for politics but c that the s.o.e is working so y stop it now? i say clean up ja and we the jamaicans can take it from there. i think portia n her ppl just looking to score political points. look how long ja has been deteriorating...we need the criminals to b away with once n for all!!!

Jah B
7/21/2010

The fears of the PNP is simple. Crime trending down, economy seem to be on track for the first time. This is too much for a party seeking to regain power. So they do things like keeping Manatt, Dudus, Caricom to distract. This party has been a dismal failure both in opposition and government. IT is filled with dinosaurs and recycled poliiticians (Bunting, DK to name a few). They shouldnt even be in th house at all. I hope they never get as government, at leat not as they are.

Rovert Sirrah
7/21/2010

How can the PNP be blamed The Govt wanted to extend the SOE for 30 days , the PNP says lets extend it for 15 days and if a case can be made with empirical evidence we can do it for 15 more days and the Govt says no . I don't understand .

Rudy Reds
7/21/2010

The police need to continue their cordon, curfew and search and detaining..
They don't need a state of emergency for that....

Rob C
7/21/2010

So the PNP join forces with the JLP for the continuation of Constitution breach (USA Citizens elections), but go against them for something that is working for the country ??????????
Mad house come fi mi, ah mi ah de crazy one. No sah, ah muss mad me mad eena mi head !!!

Wa Tch
7/21/2010

Good principled position taken by the PNP.
Interesting that the govt. thought that it could arrogantly take an all or nothing approach.
When you have a razor thin majority you do not play politics with serious issues. The JLP has been bungling from day one with governance. Now the JLP is forced to truly find a plan.
Use the crime bills and the constabulary act and fight crime just the same.

Rudy Reds
7/21/2010

If the JLP really wanted the State of Emergency to continue, why didn't they take the 15 day extension? why?
You are so blinded by Bruce and his merrymen...They are too arrogant...30 days or nothing...That is so childish...
Only the blind will blame the PNP, when the JLP could easily have it extended..Dorlan, Island Boy and Joe Robinson, read and understand...Please.

Stephen Fox
7/21/2010

I am relieved that clear heads prevailed in this situation. The JDF and the JCF can enforce the law without state of emergency powers. Allocate more manpower and more resources for the security forces to do their Job.

diego maradona
7/21/2010

i could be wrong but i think it was a political ploy by the jlp to end the state of emergency , the knew the needed a majority to have the state of emergency extended but yet some jlp mp's did not turn up to vote.

Bill Bowen
7/21/2010

PNP jus commit political suicide.
well use this opportunity to restructure and elect a leader.
for sure Bruce is guaranteed another term, OUR CRIME CHIEF)

John Brown
7/21/2010

Same PNP..Never changes. "We put people first" - IN THEIR DREAMS!!!

William Johnson
7/21/2010

Criminal lawyers around Ja are rejoicing. Well done PNP, continue contributing to a better Ja.

John Brown
7/21/2010

The PNP has never changed!! They are the same power hungry and depraved party for years. How can anyone in their right minds who see the effects of the state of emergency and then don't want to support it? I'm LOST. Well, it's clear that they (PNP) are SCARED that the government is going to eventually win the war on crime. In the end they (PNP) will be disgraced because they were there for 18 years and couldn't do it. The PNPARE A BUNCH OF LOOSERS!!!!!

key martin
7/21/2010

Some theses comments here are obviously from people who do no live here. IF WE CANNOT trust the police who can you trust. All I know from this state of emergency has started and crime has been cut and illegal weapons have come off the street for one I feel confident and safe in this island. You thinlk it is nice to hear people being murdered 7 or more a day. The PNP couldnt fix it and they need to work with the program and srt out their garrisons as best they can . Power Hungry PNP

Dumile Anderson
7/21/2010

While the PNP has raised a valid point that the SOE cannot be used to replace a strategic crime plan we all must realise that it is working. Like C. Brown said below, MPs represent citizens not their party. There will be a heavy backlash for this. I am even now more than ever convinced that the PNP is a set of 'power hungry fanatics'

Nadine Johnson
7/21/2010

Why JLP did not take the 15 days extention the PNP was Offering? And everyone know is because the JLP was defending Dudus for the 9mths why there was no law and order. The criminals think that within that 9mths they all was doing no wrong, They were given power to rake avoke. Now Dudus is gone the country is moving forwards. Custom is being able to manage the wharf better.Used crewfew to get the rest of the job done in Clarendon St James and other places.

Jack Man
7/21/2010

Now..why was 5 members of the ruling party off the Island? Dont they know they work for jamaica? Mr PM, you should have seen to it they were present...

Stephen Fox
7/21/2010

Finally some sense coming from the Parliament. The police do not need state of emergency powers to enforce the law. They need more resources and the support of the army during some operations. We support the operations of the Jamaican Security forces to combat crime. We commend them for the job done during the state of emergency. However, the constitutional protected freedoms of Jamaican citizens must be upheld. Any other course would lead down a slippery slope to dictatorship.

David Armstrong
7/21/2010

One reason why Jamaica has not made progress is because of the reactive nature of both political parties. Instead of finding solutions to problems, either party will sit back (usually the opposition party) and react to whatever the other party does. While some of this reaction might be necessary it does no good if this happens all the time without any meaningful alternative solutions. Case in point the opposition is asking for the govt. to present their comprehensive crime plan. Does the opposition have one? The opposition don’t have to wait to be in power to initiate solutions to any problem that is detrimental to the progress of the country.

mike anderson
7/21/2010

Not surprised.this is politics at its best, the PNP is just putting it's own interest before that of the people. I f the crime rate was to be reduced significantly that would hurt their chances of getting re-elected. They were in power for what? 100 years, and did absolutely nothing about crime. No i am not endorsing the JLP because they both are in it for there own personal gains.

Maude Cooper
7/21/2010

Oh…My…God! Something going so well and the PNP knock it down? What are they thinging, or are they thinking at all? I know the call for the PM resignation have been loud and strong, but how can anyone honestly want to replace the government with another, whose strategy it is to continue to operate in crime and chaos as a better option for the people (country)? It is just sickening. I will say to the PM do not falter in your endeavour to fight crime it can only pay off for you.

nervous investor
7/21/2010

Nothing new. Since when have the PNP ever in history put Jamaica first in anything? Could it be that the PNP are trying to get the powers of the security forces reduced before they reach Portia's constituency, Omar's constituency, Port Royal and so many others - are the PNP not said to have 7 garrisons and 4 more "almost garrisons"?

Island Boy
7/21/2010

While I agree the State of Emergency is not a 'solution' to crime, the JLP was bold enough to use a mechanism available, even to the PNP when they were in power, to contain crime which was obviously taking over the decent citizens of this nation. What have they done? The PNP once again has demonstrated their narrow mindedness by not supporting an extension of the State of Emergency. Those who call for 'justice justice' must be careful of their motives

anton brown
7/21/2010

Anyway, why is everyone blasting the PNP and not the JLP for turning down an offer of 15 days which could be renewed? That to me is the worst part of what took place. So because you don't get a double scoop of ice-cream, but a single scoop and your mommy says you must come back for a second if you finish the first, you throw a hissy fit don't take it at all? JLP acting like spoiled children!

C. Brown
7/21/2010

The MPs must remember that they are in parliament primarily to represent the people and not their party. They must resist the partisan policy of strictly voting on party alignment, but instead should vote on logics and what's best for the country. The state of emergency seems to be working, so why the need for division and not unity? The Gov't should've taken the compromise when it realized that it wouldn't get the backing for the full extension. I hope both sides come to their senses.

anton brown
7/21/2010

This is a very very good move. I don't understand why some commentators below, and possible some who will post above after me seem to trust the police so much that because the "security forces are supposed to be in the best position to know the need for an extension" that it really is so. While we should try to make their job easier we have to balance it with human rights. Plain and simple. And if they need it they should have sent Bruce with clear proof.

oface oface
7/21/2010

shameful a serious disservice to the people of jamaica....

Joe Robinson
7/21/2010

The PNP actions are clear that they are not serious in dealing with crime once and for all. You cant ask the security forces to start a job which is known to be effective then walk away and leave them in the middle without any support. The country has been given an opportunty to rid it self of this crime monster, we must continue forward. Its not that you have complaints of abused, or its affecting the economy seriously. History will adjudge us for our actions.

Jay Brown
7/21/2010

Mr Golding now that the motion has been defeated you should not appears as if the security forces have been defeated.
Instead what should happen it that the security forces should launch and allm out assulat on Montego Bay and Clarendon simultaneouly using curfew under the existing JCF modus operandi.
Anything short of that would give the impression to criminals that we cannot act against them without the SOE in place, and that is NOT the kind of message you want to be sending.
FULL speed fwd

Dorlan H. Francis
7/21/2010

This is SHAMEFUL!! It is clear that the PNP is prepared to stand in the way of any progress for the country. The people of Jamaica must learn the lesson from this. When they were electing the plunderers for the past 18 years it was with solid mandates. They elected builders in 2007 but with one hand tied behind their backs. The people of Jamaica need to understand that if they want better they themselves will have to do better at electing government.

Winston G
7/21/2010

Let us all hope that the crime rate will continue to decline. I am disappointed that the security forces will not get what they requested. However, I would love to think that the police can still be very effective in their work without a SOE In the end, we all want what is in the country's best interest..

Carlos Bryson
7/21/2010

The security forces are supposed to be in the best position to know the need for an extension; but, everything is political in Jamaica. You need an independent commission to oversee the work of the security forces and make credible recommendations to the govt.
The PNP apparently thinks the PM is gaining ground because crime has been curtailed significantly and that is not good for their machinitions..shame on you. This wont be enough to save the driver come elections. Focus on improving Ja.

David Biles
7/21/2010

This is a BIG mistake on the path of the PNP. Playing politics with crime is not a prudent move. Dumb move....

justice justice
7/21/2010

Thank u PNP. There is no need for a state of emergency. After embolden the criminals by failing to sign the extradition request for Dudus, Bruce is using the state of emergency as a PR tool to appear to be tough on criminals & all he is doing is abusing human rights. Locking up "detaining" people without no justified reason. I would not want to fall victim of such abuse of power so away with it. Pass laws to prosecute currupt politicians & distance your party from dons, ie the way forward.

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