OPPOSITION LEADER Bruce Golding has threatened a political confrontation with the Government if it goes ahead with what appears to be plans to combine all statutory deductions and then divide as it sees fit.
Mr. Golding said yesterday that it would not only be "bangarang" but that the Opposition would stop at nothing to prevent the Government from carrying out its proposal.
"Let me tell you something, we want to feel that this country has moved beyond the sort of adversarial politics of the past, we want to think that this country has gone beyond political confrontation," he said. "But if the Government ever attempts to ravish the people's pension money and the people's housing money, then let me tell you that is going to be political confrontation, I tell you straight up!"
Mr. Golding was reiterating his position on the issue during yesterday's post-Budget Debate press briefing at the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) headquarters on Belmont Road, New Kingston.
BANGARANG
On Thursday, during his Budget Debate presentation, Mr. Golding said it would be "bangarang" if the Government goes ahead with its plans.
When asked yesterday to clarify what he meant, he said he would take the same action that former JLP Leader Sir Alexander Bustamante took in the 1930s to protect workers' rights.
"I would draw on all the inspiration I could from the man who founded this party in 1938 and I will emulate him in every step of the way," Mr. Golding said. "There comes a time when dialogue is not adequate to protect the people's rights."
He added: "Bustamante found that out in 1938 and we are prepared to do that if that is necessary. I am amazed that such a proposal could come from the Government."
