Kingston, Jamaica. March 10, 2024: The Opposition People’s National Party is calling on the Minister of Justice, the Honourable Delroy Chuck to increase the monetary limit in the Parish Court from $1 million to $5 million so that more cases can be heard in a timely manner. 

The Opposition Spokesperson on Justice Senator Donna Scott-Mottley highlighted that the last increase in the monetary limit within the jurisdiction of the Parish Court from $250,000 to $1 million, occurred 10 years ago in 2013, when Mark Golding was Minister of Justice. Given that there is an urgent need for greater access to justice compounded by the impact of inflation and the high cost of litigation, the Opposition is of the view that the monetary limit in the Parish Court should be increased. 

The Opposition Spokesperson expressed that the current backlog of cases in the courts is a severe hindrance and deterrent to justice, for those who utilise the court system. “There are instances where parties have to wait several years before appearing before the courts. Currently, the Supreme Court is issuing 2028 trial dates for civil matters which means that some cases filed in 2024 will not be heard for another 4 years”, said Senator Scott-Mottley. 

In a statement in January, Chief Justice, the Honourable Bryan Sykes said that there were no backlogs in the Parish Court. However, there is still a backlog in the Supreme Court with an average intake of 13,420 while only disposing of 8,765 cases each year. “This suggests that the Parish Courts are operating at a more efficient rate than the higher courts, and would be able to handle a greater caseload” noted Senator Scott-Mottley.

The Opposition is also calling for a periodic review of the Judicature (Parish Court) Act (Increase in Jurisdiction) Orders to ensure that the limits established reflect the economic climate of the nation. Such a measure would reduce the financial burden on the litigant of having matters heard in the Supreme Court for what is now a relatively minor matter, thereby fostering greater access to justice for all.

Kingston, Jamaica. March 8, 2024: The People’s National Party is saddened by the news of the untimely passing of media and communications expert Marcia Erskine. We extend our sincerest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.

The news of Marcia’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the nation and the region. Marcia Erskine was a woman of extraordinary character, whose professionalism and generosity knew no bounds. Marcia was not just a public relations expert and tourism stalwart; she was a guiding light, serving with unparalleled distinction in every endeavor. 

Marcia Erskine was the former chairman of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI). She dedicated her life to advocating for women’s rights and through the WLI, training and developing women leaders. Prior to her passing, she was occupied with planning an event to honour female journalists in Kingston for International Women’s Month. 

Shadow Minister on Tourism and Linkages Senator Janice Allen recalled, “I met Marcia in the mid 1990s when I first began in the industry and with each encounter I learnt something from her. Whether it was her calm demeanour or her sage words of advice, I always left her company fulfilled and encouraged. Marcia set a standard of excellence that was second to none, embodying the ethos of “leading by example.”

Senator Allen added that Marcia’s passion for tourism was palpable, matched only by her dedication to her craft of PR. She was a paragon of reliability, a consummate professional who left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

To her grieving family, friends, and colleagues, both near and far, we extend our heartfelt condolences. May you find solace in the cherished memories of a life lived with purpose and passion. Marcia, your light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

Kingston, Jamaica. January 23, 2024: The People’s National Party Minority Councillors’ Caucus within the St. Ann Municipal Corporation is gravely concerned about a recent revelation of stark imbalances in the allocation of funds within the Corporation’s Special Grant Repairs Fund (SGR). This fund, designated for emergencies and special allocations towards road-related projects, has unveiled disparities that are raising serious questions about the integrity of the allocation process.

It has been uncovered that a programme sanctioned through the SGR has resulted in a significant discrepancy in the distribution of funds among councillors. Shockingly, eleven Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Councillors have reportedly been granted between $2.75 million to $3.7 million each for projects in their respective divisions, while a mere $1 million each was allocated to the five People’s National Party Councillors.

Minority Leader for the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Councillor Winston Brown, vehemently condemns this blatant imbalance, describing it as a disrespectful affront to constituents in PNP-led divisions. “It is not just despicable; it is a blatant disregard for the people living in divisions led by PNP representatives, almost insinuating that they don’t matter,” Brown declared. He has raised pertinent questions about the basis on which such a decision was made, pointing out that it appears to be a strategic move with electoral implications.

Further inquiry by Councillor Brown has unveiled that specific directives concerning the allocation disparities originated from the Mayor of St. Ann Bay and the Chief Executive Officer of the SAMC, acting on the instruction of the Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie. This revelation by both the Mayor and CEO intensifies concerns about the transparency and fairness of the allocation process from the highest levels of authority and underscores potential implications for democratic principles governing municipal affairs.

In light of these findings, the PNP Minority Councillors are unequivocally demanding a rollback of the current allocations and a thorough re-evaluation to ensure an equitable distribution of funds. The Minority Councillors are urging the public to scrutinise this issue closely, emphasising the urgent need for fairness and transparency in municipal affairs. This development underscores the importance of upholding democratic values and ensuring that the allocation of public resources is conducted with the utmost integrity and fairness.

Kingston, Jamaica. January 22, 2024: Shadow Minister on Investment, Trade & Global Logistics, Anthony Hylton, CD, MP, is questioning the basis on which Jamaica’s request for suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on Lithium-Ion Batteries for use in the renewable energy sector was denied by the CARICOM Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED), at its November meeting. 

In a statement today, Mr. Hylton, said his concern is based on industry complaints that although Jamaican businesses had given due notice of their request for the suspension by ensuring the item was placed on the COTED agenda, an eleventh hour response in opposition by another member state at the meeting, was used as the basis for a denial of the request. The PNP spokesperson explained that “Every member state has the right to seek and obtain suspension of the CET on items imported from outside the CARICOM Region, unless another  CARICOM member state produces or can produce the item in sufficient  quantity, quality, and at the  price,  and  standard required by the CARICOM Rules.” 

Mr. Hylton continued “it is the practice that a request for suspension is not denied without prior evidence resulting from an investigation by the Secretariat technical staff that the CARICOM producer satisfies at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the product demand within CARICOM”.  

The Shadow Minister said the fact that this was not done prior to the denial of the suspension is, “highly irregular and should not have been allowed in the first place.” Mr. Hylton observed that, “any corrective action taken by the government now will not compensate these businesses for any losses suffered as a result of this irregular procedure.” 

He called on the government to act swiftly to remedy the situation affecting this important sub- sector.

Kingston, Jamaica. January 22, 2024: The Opposition is expressing concerns over the recent interdiction of an officer employed to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) who uncovered the breaches related to the property at 11 Charlemont Drive.

  Shadow Minister on Environment and Ecological Heritage, Senator Sophia Frazer Binns, says the reported interdiction of the officer without more, raises questions about potential repercussions for whistleblowers or those seeking to expose violations of our laws. She says this interdiction on the heels of the ruling by the DPP leads the public to question the  integrity of our environmental regulatory body.

 Without providing details of the circumstances around the interdiction of the officer, NEPA is confirming the view of many Jamaicans that “the  big man” is treated differently from “the little man”. This also cements the long held perception that there are two Jamaicas, one for the rich and connected and another for the poor.

 Senator Frazer Binns, while accepting that all the details cannot be shared at this time, believes that in light of the national attention this matter has received, NEPA must provide sufficient information to the public on the reason or reasons for Mr Henry’s  interdiction.

 The Shadow Minister asserted, “We need to understand the reasons behind the interdiction and ensure that it is not an attempt to undermine the commitment to environmental protection”. Further, Senator Frazer Binns added, “The public still has not been informed of the outcome of the meeting of the NRCA Board held last week”.

 The Opposition Senator is encouraging NEPA and the relevant authorities to prioritise the resolution of this matter with transparency. “It is imperative that we maintain trust in our environmental regulatory agencies and their ability to address violations promptly and impartially.”, she said.

Today, as Jamaica joins the international community in observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW), I stand resolute in the People’s National Party’s (PNP) commitment to ending all forms of violence against women in Jamaica.

The theme for this year, “Bridging the gender digital divide to prevent, address, and respond to conflict-related sexual violence,” resonates deeply with the challenges faced by women in Jamaica. Our nation, like many others, is not immune to the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, and the digital divide exacerbates these challenges, particularly in the context of conflict-related sexual violence.

Disparities in access to information, support networks, and justice mechanisms persist across our diverse population, rendering certain women more vulnerable. The People’s National Party advocates for immediate, comprehensive measures to bridge this gap, ensuring that Jamaican women, irrespective of their geographical or socioeconomic status, possess equitable access to the resources essential for their protection and empowerment.

In remote areas, where access to modern technology may be limited, women face additional hurdles in seeking information, support, and justice. The PNP recognizes the urgency of addressing the unique challenges faced by these women, ensuring that they are not left behind in our collective efforts to eliminate violence. Bridging the gender digital divide must include tailored strategies for marginalized communities, recognizing the complex challenges they face.

While we acknowledge strides made as a nation, it is disheartening that violence against women remains a pervasive issue. Beyond the statistics lie the narratives of Jamaican women who have endured pain, fear, and injustice. It is our collective responsibility as a society to challenge and dismantle structures perpetuating this violence, fostering an environment where every Jamaican woman can live free from fear.

The People’s National Party underscores the necessity for targeted policies addressing the unique challenges faced by Jamaican women and promoting gender equality. This involves strategic investment in education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and legal frameworks that safeguard and empower women. Initiatives to bridge the gender digital divide must be integrated into broader endeavours to ensure that technological advancements contribute positively to the lives and safety of Jamaican women.

On this International Day Against Violence on Women, let us recommit to the principles of equality, justice, and respect for human rights. The People’s National Party stands prepared to collaborate with the government and civil society to effect meaningful change and cultivate a Jamaica where no woman is left behind or lives in fear.

Together, let us bridge the gender digital divide and steadfastly work towards a future where every Jamaican woman can live without the threat of violence.

Kingston, Jamaica. November 24, 2023: The People’s National Party strongly condemns the government for its blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of universal access to transportation, as highlighted by the recent purchase of 100 standard buses, a decision that starkly contravenes the provisions outlined in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

This oversight, reflected in the acquisition of buses without due consideration for the needs of persons with disabilities, not only contradicts international commitments but also represents a direct violation of the rights of persons living with disabilities. Opposition Spokesperson on Labour and Social Security, Dr. Angela Brown Burke, insists that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons clearly emphasises the right of persons with disabilities to accessibility in all aspects of life, including transportation. 

Dr. Brown Burke is demanding that the government rectify this oversight immediately and make a commitment that the next fleet of buses to be imported is configured to adequately accommodate persons with disabilities including but not limited to, the provision of wheelchair ramps, priority seating, and other necessary features to ensure that persons with disabilities are not disenfranchised from accessing public transportation.

“We will be closely monitoring the government’s response to this issue and will continue to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in all aspects of public life. The Time is now for a Jamaican Government that upholds its duty to safeguard the rights of all citizens excluding none” said Dr. Brown Burke.