Prime Minister Andrew Holness says genuine partnership, rather than strategic posturing for political advantage, is what is required for Jamaica to intensify the rate at which progress is being made in addressing some key national issues including the fight against crime.

The prime minister made the comment during a media conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday when he was asked about a commitment from Opposition Leader Mark Golding for bipartisan cooperation in tackling violent crime.

“There have been several instances of multiple killings in Clarendon in recent years, with this one being the most egregious. I stand ready to cooperate with the Government to achieve bipartisan action to come to grips with this utterly untenable situation,” Golding said in a statement to the media following the murder of eight people in Clarendon on Sunday.

READ: Eight killed, several injured in Clarendon gun attack

Holness said, if the Opposition leader’s comments represent an attempt to provide genuine cooperation, they are to be well received.

“I come to the table with the perspective that everyone is a patriot looking to ensure the best for Jamaica. I understand the positions of persons who may oppose the positions that I hold. The curious thing is that when roles are changed, then those persons who oppose the position I hold, then adopt the very position.

“That suggests that sometimes the positions that are held are more strategic than genuine and what Jamaica needs now is genuine partnership, not strategic partnerships for political advantage,” Holness commented when asked to respond to Golding’s statement.

The prime minister said his initial response to Golding’s pledge was that he was always of the view that the Opposition had said they are willing to cooperate in helping to advance efforts by the Government to further reduce violent crime.

“However, I’m happy to know that there is a reinforcement of that position. The challenge is actions rather than statements. It would be good if the actions of the Opposition support their stated intent to cooperate – tcooperation that is needed is on the legislative agenda,” the prime minister said.

Holness noted that the Government had received the cooperation from the Opposition in 2017 when murders were on the increase but the cooperation was later withdrawn.

He said that the enhanced security measure could not be extended beyond 14 days, had the Opposition not exercised their constitutional power to approve its extension.

“There are those who make comments, which I pay attention to, it’s the Government’s responsibility they say. Obviously, it’s the Government’s responsibility but remember the nature of our democracy. We keep saying we have this strong and robust democracy, but not understanding what it means. It means the Opposition has a role, and our constitution gives them power. No one is holding them to account regarding how they use the power,” Holness reasoned.

The prime minister also disclosed that he has been receiving feedback from some stakeholders who argue that his administration should implement hardline measures similar to steps taken in El Salvador to reduce crime.

Holness reasoned that those proponents do not fully understand that Jamaica’s constitution and democracy are quite different from El Salvador.

“But there are measures which fall somewhere in between what we currently have in place and what El Salvador has put in, that if we could come to genuine agreement on it, those measures would give us more options in our toolbox as we seek to further reduce violent crime,” Holness said.