Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
FROM LEFT: Opposition Spokesman on Finance Audley Shaw; Spokesman on Foreign Affairs, Karl Samuda; and Spokesman on National Security Derrick Smith, speak to journalists during a press conference at the Jamaica Labour Party headquarters on Belmont Road yesterday. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) has criticised the Government for not implementing measures to prevent what it said were incidents of lawlessness this week.
Speaking during a press briefing at the party's Belmont Road headquarters, New Kingston, yesterday, JLP Spokesman on National Security Derrick Smith questioned the effectiveness of the security forces during Monday's protest in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
The protest was sparked by Sunday's killing of Donovan 'Bulbie' Bennett who had been on the police's most wanted list for a decade. He was said to be a supporter of the governing People's National Party (PNP).
PNP supporters in Spanish Town mounted roadblocks, burnt a JUTC bus, a police car, and lit a police post at the Spanish Town bus terminus.
SUPREME COURT UPROAR
Mr. Smith also referred to Wednesday's uproar at the Supreme Court in Kingston where the murder case of Donald 'Zekes' Phipps was heard.
Shots were fired in the vicinity of the court as residents demanded that Phipps be granted bail.
Like Bennett, Mr. Phipps is a known supporter of the PNP.
"Why did the police not take adequate action in anticipation of the reaction from the PNP-controlled sections of Spanish Town?" Mr. Smith asked. "They can be effective and efficient. You've seen the level of efficiency as it relates to Tivoli Gardens on many previous occasions."
He also questioned whether the PNP had lost control of its supporters in the Corporate Area.
"We call on the Government to ensure that this round of runaway lawlessness from supporters of theirs, and from communities they control, be brought under immediate control," Mr. Smith said.
He also reiterated a call made in Parliament earlier for National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips to make a national statement to
reassure the country about the Government's crime-fighting measures.
