Westmoreland cops urge responsible political campaigning ahead of election

WESTERN BUREAU:

With a general election looming, the Westmoreland police want political representatives, their supporters and the general citizenry to strive to keep the peace in order to avoid the political conflict that marred previous campaigns.

Speaking at last Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, Deputy Superintendent of Police Kevin Francis, the head of police operations in Westmoreland, appealed for maturity and dialogue on the campaign trail.

“With the pending election drawing near, I want to use the opportunity to encourage us as citizens, as councillors, and as representatives of the country to engender peace, goodwill, and ensure that our constituents remain safe during this time,” said Francis.

He further emphasised that the role of the police is not only to enforce the law, but to partner with community leaders in preserving social order.

“As the police, we are charged to ensure that we maintain the peace, but it is also our responsibility as a council, as a people, as councillors, to speak to your constituents to avoid violence, to avoid confrontations, to avoid situations that may escalate into something that we don’t want it to be,” Francis stated.

“You don’t have to agree with me, but as someone who has good civic pride and someone who maintains that we are all one Jamaican people, I believe it is important for me to remind us of the importance of treating with the peace that should exist across the country,” he added.

CONCERNS

Councillor Warren Lyttleton of the People’s National Party and representing the Grange Hill Division, raised concerns over an incident involving political paraphernalia, including the reported prosecution of a driver whose vehicle displayed an image of a political candidate.

“Now that we are in the campaign period of a general election, on what basis would the police prosecute a motorist for having the photograph placed on his vehicle?” Lyttleton asked Francis.

In response, Francis acknowledged the concern and promised to look into it, as well as to consult with his superiors on how such issues should be treated. He promised to respond to the WMC via Mayor Danree Delancy, the corporation’s chairman.

“The concern is noted, and I will look into the matter. I was not made aware of it until now. However, I will look into the matter to see how this can be treated and provide you with an answer, maybe at the next council meeting,” said Francis.

However, Francis was emphatic in noting that while campaign signs themselves aren’t illegal, the police must also consider other road traffic violations.

“There are offences such as obscure windshield... . There are other offences that will prevent the person from having a clear view of what is in front of them. I’m not sure if that was the case. However, like I said, I will take on the matter and I’ll provide you with feedback,” he said.

Francis also responded to concerns about escalating political tensions, especially the tearing down of campaign materials, a matter that was raised by Dr Garfield James of the Jamaica Labour Party, who is the councillor for the Sheffield Division.

James questioned the police’s role in the removal of political signs and billboards.

“We have seen, in the past, tribalism and this has resulted in injury, death, and other situations we do not want,” said Francis. “The superintendent also has the authority to warn political representatives and their supporters, and failure to comply with these warnings normally results in arrest or detention. We do not want that kind of thing, so we are encouraging dialogue.

“Talk to the people who follow you, talk to the people you have influence over, that you can support your party without violence, without resorting to this kind of situation,” he said.

editorial@gleanerjm.com