KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) has issued a rebuke of Minister Daryl Vaz, condemning what it describes as “reckless and irresponsible” remarks made by the senior government official at a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) meeting on Sunday.

The controversy stems from comments made by Vaz following the sound of gunfire in the vicinity of a Kingston Central JLP meeting. While there were no reported injuries, Minister Vaz reportedly suggested the incident was politically motivated, a claim the PNP says is not only unfounded but dangerous.

In a statement released Monday, the PNP’s General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell criticised Vaz for attributing political motives to the shooting without confirmation from law enforcement. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has since indicated that the incident does not appear to be politically driven.

“For a senior government minister to cast such aspersions without evidence is not only inflammatory but could incite political reprisals and further destabilise already vulnerable communities,” the PNP warned.

Citing what it calls a breach of acceptable political conduct, the Opposition said it has officially lodged a complaint against Vaz with the Office of the Political Ombudsman.

The PNP also expressed concern over what it described as Vaz’s repeated use of aggressive gestures specifically referencing “throat-slashing” motions on political platforms. The party is calling for Vaz to retract his comments and to engage in personal reflection.

“We urge all political leaders to exercise greater caution and integrity in their public statements,” the release said. “The PNP remains committed to the peaceful conduct of politics in Jamaica and will continue to work with all stakeholders to protect our democracy from fear mongering and division.”