ST. ANN:
THE PEOPLE'S National Party (PNP) candidate for the Sturge Town division, North West St. Ann, Rodney Kerr, has complained that his supporters have been constantly under attack from Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters in that division.
Mr. Kerr said that since the start of the election campaign, several of his supporters have been both physically and verbally abused by supporters of the JLP.
The PNP candidate reported that presently, one supporter, Brenton Johnson, of a Salem address, is now suffering from stab wounds and a broken leg, as a result of a vicious attack from a group of JLP activists. The Runaway Bay police confirmed that they have arrested and charged Lenworth Cox, also of Salem, in connection with that incident.
Giving an account of the latest confrontation with the JLP, Mr. Kerr said that on Sunday, he and his supporters were in the Salem community handing out voters guide when a group of JLP supporters gathered and started to hurl abuses and threats at them. The PNP candidate said he and his supporters want a peaceful election campaign in the Sturge Town division and that he is calling on his JLP opponent to ensure that his supporters maintain peace.
However, JLP candidate, Winston Lawrence has denied the allegations claiming that it was JLP supporters who were being attacked by the PNP. When contacted, Mr. Lawrence told The Gleaner that last Tuesday one of his supporters had to seek medical attention for a serious blow to the head, after he and a group of JLP supporters came under attack in the Sturge Town district. He said he has received complaints from several residents in known JLP stronghold that they were being intimidated by PNP supporters.
Mr. Lawrence told The Gleaner that any problems Mr. Kerr was encountering in Salem was not political, but could have been the result of long standing differences between himself and some residents of that community. The JLP candidate said he and his supporters are committed to a peaceful campaign and will not be drawn into any confrontation with PNP supporters.
