Dear Editor,

Let us all read beyond the headlines of Andrew Holness’s statement, “Murder more rampant under PNP”, which appeared in the Observer of November 2, 2015.

I found the statement rather irresponsible and it brings into sharp focus that politicians will continue to say the dumbest things. Could his statement be perceived as a warning, a threat and promise that murder will increase if the People’s National Party (PNP) is re-elected?

Truth be told, in my opinion, the murders are not a political issue, they are indicative of social issues which exist regardless of which political party is in power. After all, during the Jamaica Labour Party’s last term in office they had three different commissioners of police and different security ministers yet the murders were at an intolerable level.

No government in the history of this country has failed to put policy in place to dent murders and crime. A keener look at the murder statistics shows that these murders were not committed because of a lack of policy directives or policing strategies, but rather on social and other domestic issues.

Our leaders must be careful not to make open-ended statements which can be misconstrued or can mislead.

What is even more irresponsible is that if foreign countries were to listen to Holness they would have to issue travel advisories against visits to Jamaica should the PNP be re-elected. I am certain that is not what Holness means, but when one speaks without thinking then it leaves our statements open to being “spinned” and used for purposes other than intended.

Fernandez “Bingy” Smith

fgeesmith@yahoo.com

Andrew Holness