PNP Files Complaint Against Prime Minister for Dangerous Incitement and Code Violations

Kingston, Jamaica. June 2, 2025: The People’s National Party (PNP) has submitted a formal complaint to the Political Ombudsman, citing six breaches of the Political Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The complaint follows statements made by the Prime Minister during the JLP’s West Central St. James conference on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

In response to the PNP’s planned and police-approved peaceful protest, Mr. Holness encouraged Labourites to “protest in your workplace, to protest in the market, to protest wherever you are.” This call, made on a political platform, constitutes a deliberate attempt to mobilise confrontational action in public spaces.

The PNP considers the Prime Minister’s remarks not only reckless but dangerous. In a society with a history of politically driven violence, such statements pose a serious risk to public safety and directly undermine the spirit and letter of the Political Code of Conduct, which was signed by both major political parties.

The complaint references six specific violations under the Code in Appendix 1, namely:

• Clause 1 (a), (c), and (e)

• Clause 3 (a) and (b)

• Clause 4 (a)

Following the Prime Minister’s statements, as reported by one media house, a counter-protest was subsequently held near the site of the PNP’s demonstration, placing citizens at risk and further validating concerns about political provocation and public disorder.

The PNP has asked the Political Ombudsman to intervene urgently and uphold the principles of the Code. Provocation and intimidation must have no place in Jamaica’s political process.

The Party reaffirms its commitment to peaceful protest, responsible leadership, and the protection of democratic freedoms.