SamudaTyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
THE JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) has declared war on the Government in wake of the recent price hikes that have walloped the nation since the start of the year.
Karl Samuda, the party's general secretary, told The Sunday Gleaner that the JLP would use every legal means necessary to force the Government to nullify the price increases.
"It is w-a-r. And, we will not be silent and not be prevented our constitutional right to call on the people of Jamaica to stand up against this kind of abuse," said Mr. Samuda.
Today, strategies are being drafted as the 200-member strong leadership cadre of the party is locked in a closed-door emergency meeting to formulate what they call a plan of action to combat the recent and hikes in prices.
Since the start of the year, the nation has been jolted by increases in bus fares, water, electricity and most recently, landline telephone bills. This is compounded by the fact that inflation has been on a canter since August last year and now stands at a towering 18 per cent for the 12-month period.
On Friday, the JLP revealed that it was in battle mode after information surfaced that the party had summoned all its officers, members of Parliament, constituency caretakers, parish councillors, parish council caretakers and other members of its Central Executive to the mandatory meeting at the Stony Hill Heart Academy this morning at 10:00.
According to the general secretary, the JLP would entertain any "measure that will force the Government to sit up and take notice of the suffering of the vast majority of people as a result of the unnecessary increases in prices."
"We will not relent in our efforts; we will continue our protest actions against the level of apathy that exists with this government. Enough is enough. We will not stand by any longer," he said.
Mr. Samuda vowed that the "next sounding" that the Government would hear after today's meeting is the "sound of the marching of the people of Jamaica against the injustice."
He chided Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, Phillip Paulwell for his presence at the Cable and Wireless press launch to announce the imminent increase. Mr. Samuda said it was inappropriate for him to be there.
Still, the JLP officers have declined to commit to any definite course of action until all options are weighed. "There are a whole panorama of possibilities. The actions the JLP will take will be decided at tomorrow's (today's) meeting," Opposition Spokesman on Information Senator Dwight Nelson, said.
