By Robert Hart, Staff Reporter
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters in a jubilant mood during the party's conference at the National Arena in Kingston yesterday. At right, leader Edward Seaga speaking to supporters at yesterday's public session of the party's 60th annual conference. - Rudolph Brown/Staff Photographer
OPPOSITION LEADER Edward Seaga is vowing to oppose the implementation of the Terrorism Prevention Act, claiming that the governing People's National Party (PNP) cannot be trusted with the power such "fearsome legislation" will bring.
Mr. Seaga, buoyed by the cheering from scores of green, black, white and yellow-clad supporters, during the public session of the party's 60th annual conference at the National Arena, said that the Terrorism Act (tabled in Parlia-ment just over a week ago) would stifle the voices of those who disagree with the Government or advocate against its policies.
"This legislation must never be passed in its present state. The JLP will fight it to the bitter end," Mr. Seaga said to the tumultuous ringing of bells and applause.
Stating that the Bill would give the Government "much of the same draconian powers as a state of emergency," he added that it would silence all effective opposition, if not amended. "People who block roads or march or demonstrate could be labelled as terrorists," he said.
The Terrorism Act, which comes in the wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, was tabled in the House of Representatives on October 28. K.D. Knight, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, told Parliament that the Act would have far-reaching implications for Jamaica in the fight against terrorism, both at home and abroad, and would require intense study and concentration prior to the debate on its passing.
Unfortunately for Mr. Seaga, his promise to fight the implementation of the Act was one of only a few moments in which he was able to ignite a response from the crowd. Throughout his speech, fettered with well-worn, though relevant references to the state of education, crime and violence and corruption in the country, Mr. Seaga appeared unable to captivate the majority of his audience.
Commenting on the rising crime and violence facing the country, he lamented the results of the National Committee on Crime and Violence Report which he called "long on noble purpose, but short on urgent action."
"If the Government is serious about fighting crime rather than retreating in panic, then let's get to work," he said.
During his speech, Mr. Seaga reiterated that it was his duty to welcome the newly-elected deputy leaders, James Roberston and Dr. Horace Chang, into the leadership of the party which was celebrating its 60th year. But earlier, in what some considered an indication of their party leader's disappointment in the results of Saturday's election for the posts in Area Councils Two and Four, Mr. Seaga entered the Arena immediately after speeches made by Mr. Robertson and Dr. Chang. The two, who represent a changing of the guard within the JLP, ousted incumbents Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Edmund Bartlett respectively. retreating in panic, then let's get to work," he said.
During his speech, Mr. Seaga reiterated that it was his duty to welcome the newly-elected deputy leaders, James Roberston and Dr. Horace Chang, into the leadership of the party which was celebrating its 60th year. But earlier, in what some considered an indication of their party leader's disappointment in the results of Saturday's election for the posts in Area Councils Two and Four, Mr. Seaga entered the Arena immediately after speeches made by Mr. Robertson and Dr. Chang. The two, who represent a changing of the guard within the JLP, ousted incumbents Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Edmund Bartlett respectively.
