...Rev.Vivian Panton asks, as he urges considerate campaigning

The Rev. Dr. Vivian Panton, Chaplain of the Police Force, yesterday challenged political leaders to be kind and considerate during this period of political campaigning.

Citizens, he said, need to co-operate more with the police, radio stations must play wholesome, sober and sane music and talk-show hosts must be more respectful of authority figures.

The Rev. Dr. Panton made those statements as he delivered the sermon at The Heaven of Hope Open Bible Church in August Town, St. Andrew.

The idea for a worship service originated with the police and was seen as a means to bring about healing and reconciliation between hostile political factions in August Town. Last Tuesday, Nomination Day, 12 persons were shot and injured during separate tours of the community by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP). The first tour was led by Colin Campbell, the PNP's candidate for Eastern St. Andrew, while the second tour was led by Dr. Percival Broderick, the JLP's candidate.

Dr. Panton blamed the break-down in family life and indiscipline at all levels of society as key factors for the high level of crime in the country. A lot of the music being played in Jamaica, he suggested, promotes irresponsible behaviour.

Longing for...

Turning to the politicians present, he pleaded with them to use their influence to ensure that good sense prevailed during this campaign. "It bothers me when prospective leaders who vie for positions of national leadership can be as unkind to one another, as I have heard some in their campaign utterances. I was wondering if the day would come when Jamaica would wake up and when Jamaica will rise to the level where when an election campaign is called, persons can advocate and declare a platform without having to attack one another and without having to destroy one another's reputation. What a beautiful day that would be.

"I am concerned about the present campaign...I keep wondering what's the fuss about this particular election. The amount spent, valuable time, resources and energy which go into this, what's the point? If we are having an election then let's have an election. Is it that we aren't grown-up enough to be able to conduct a peaceful election without all the fuss and all the fury?

"Let our leaders be kind to one another in their campaign utterances and their followers will be of the same disposition to one another. Let the music which emanates from our radio stations be wholesome and sober and sane and this will contribute to the development of the wholesome, sober and sane in the society.

"Let our talk-show hosts be kind and constructive in their remarks on their programme and they will contribute to the fostering of a kind and constructive listenership. Let us respect those who are in authority at what ever level and we will foster the development of a respectable citizenry," Dr. Panton said.

He stressed that the police could not fight crime alone, but they needed the co-operation from citizens to supply evidence.