Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
Opposition Leader Bruce Golding is surrounded by residents of Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens, west Kingston, who participated in the Jamaica Labour Party-led islandwide demonstration against increased price hikes on public utilities and transportation. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
OPPOSITION LEADER Bruce Golding lauded yesterday's islandwide protests, promising that his Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) would take to the streets again if the Government did not pay more attention to the plight of the poor.
Hailing as "peaceful" and "signally good" the protests, which were called off at 3 p.m. yesterday, the JLP leader said his party was intent on protecting Jamaicans from hardship.
General Secretary of the People's National Party (PNP), Burchell Whiteman, in a statement issued last evening, said the protests had been anything but peaceful describing them as a "dismal failure".
"It highlighted the continued deception of the leader of the JLP ... where he gives a public undertaking of a lawful protest while knowing very well that the disruptive elements had a different plan," the PNP spokesman said.
In a press statement, the PNP's youth arm president, Andrew Okola, described the action of
the JLP as "irresponsible and inconsiderate."
However, according to Mr. Golding, people's living standards were deteriorating fast and they were losing faith in the Government. He suggested it was up to the administration to "determine how it responds."
"We will wait to see what the response of the Government and the public is," Mr. Golding said yesterday at a press conference held at the JLP Belmont Road headquarters in St. Andrew. "... The Jamaica Labour Party is going to remain ready to take action again, if that is the only means by which the Government's attention can be drawn," Mr. Golding said.
JUSTIFYING STREET PROTESTS
Citing National Hero's Paul Bogle's walk from Spanish Town to Stony Gut in pursuit of equal rights for Jamaicans, the Opposition Leader said street protests were historically used in Jamaica to demand answers.
"We have to understand that this is a country that has achieved much of the progress we have made by street action," he stated.
Hundreds of JLP supporters fanned out, Mr. Golding said, in 150 locations across the island yesterday. Some blocked roads while others waved placards in protest against the recent increases in inflation, electricity, water and telephone rates, as well as transport.
Most business remained closed in fear of the uncertainty. But Mr. Golding yesterday solicited patience.
"Business people have to understand that in fighting for their rights and survival, sometimes they are going to be inconvenienced and we regret that," he stated. "But sometimes it is necessary to advance the welfare of the people of Jamaica."
