KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Deputy General Secretary Richard Creary is accusing the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) of lowering the standards of Jamaican politics through what he describes as “consistently making false, deceptive, and misleading comments which show no regard for the truth.”

Creary made the accusation in a release on Sunday, where he criticised several prominent PNP members for what he says is an approach characterised by blatant deception, insulting the Jamaican people.

The JLP Deputy General Secretary cited five instances in recent days where he says PNP spokespersons made false allegations.

Creary criticised Ian Hayles, a PNP Vice President and candidate in Western Westmoreland, for falsely alleging that the Government is building three prisons in the parish. Creary clarified that two police stations and a Divisional Headquarters are being built to improve security in the parish and its environs.

The JLP Councillor for the Richmond Division in St Mary also blasted PNP caretaker for South Manchester, Peter Bunting, for alleging that the SPARK programme will not go to international tender. Creary countered, saying there is demonstrable evidence that an international tender process is taking place.

Creary also took Opposition Senator Gabriella Morris to task for recently accusing Member of Parliament for North West St Ann, Krystal Lee, on social media of not lobbying for improved conditions in clinics in North West St Ann. The JLP Deputy General Secretary stated that Lee is on Parliamentary record “making strong representation” for improved clinics in the constituency and has provided updates on progress made.

In making his case that the PNP has reportedly been systematically spreading inaccurate information and ruing what he says is the current prevalence of disinformation in politics being practised by the opposition party, Creary also chided PNP caretaker Alfred Dawes who he says  “falsely suggested” that ventilators in the public health system are unaccounted for.

According to Creary, it is disappointing that PNP spokesperson Denise Daley issued a statement to the media over the weekend where she “blatantly misrepresented” a comment made by Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton about varying circumstances that medical professionals have indicated have led to some maternal deaths.

The JLP Deputy General Secretary expressed his concern that whenever an Opposition spokesperson speaks, “Jamaicans have to wonder, what new or old falsehood is being perpetuated.”

“I have been observing politics for some time, and it is the first time I’ve seen this consistent pattern of deception and willingness to make false allegations deployed so frequently by a political party in Jamaica. This Opposition has undoubtedly sunk Jamaican politics to a new low with this pattern of lack of regard for the truth in their public statements,” Creary commented.

“As politicians, we owe it to the current and future generations to show some regard for the truth in public statements we make,” Creary concluded as he criticised the Mark Golding-led Opposition party, which will be seeking to unseat the Holness administration when a General Election is called.