KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party is calling out the People’s National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) on its “hypocritical and insensitive condemnation” of the celebrations to be held in honour of Jamaica’s 2016 Olympic athletes.

In a news release on Saturday, the party said that while the suggestions of honouring legacy are accepted, “the youth arm of the People’s National Party ought to keep abreast with plans announced by the minister, which include four statues in honour of athletes who have spent their entire careers bringing honour to our nation”.

“Also, the Olympics do not offer any form of monetary incentive for athletes as the World Championships and Diamond Leagues. It is with this consideration that the Jamaica Labour Party commends the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport for taking this initiative,” the release continued.

“Lest we forget it was not so long ago that some athletes were publicly embarrassed and featured on national television when they were unable to make ends meet. This will not and should not happen ever again,” the JLP argued.

The party said that the money spent is both to honour and thank the athletes.

“We cannot thank them in one statement but don’t be bashing the minister for using action and not mere words in the expression of gratitude. Our athletes deserve the best,” the JLP said.