Yesterday a group of about fifty Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Mayors, Members of Parliament and Councilors attempted to deliver a letter to Jamaica House demanding more money for local government. Led by Kingston Mayor, Desmond McKenzie they left from Devon House on Waterloo Road then proceeded on Hope Road to Jamaica House but was tear-gassed by the security force.
Repots are that they were asked by the police to desist as what they were doing was against the law. It is illegal to conduct any form of march without approval from the appropriate authorities. Failure to procure a permit is a breach of the Public Order Act. The group however continued to advance to Devon House. The police then resorted to using tear smoke to disperse the crowd.

Follow up:

The JLP are now demanding a public apology from the Prime Minister, P. J. Patterson. Mayor McKenzie has threatened to take legal action against the police.
Is it that the JLP Mayors, Members of Parliament and Councilors believe themselves above the law? Was their action deliberate provocation? Why did it need so many persons to deliver one letter? Was the security force’s action unnecessary? Were they to have just stepped aside because of the positions of the persons involved? If so where do you draw the line between who is subjected to the laws of the land and who is not?
The best leaders lead by example. Lately there has been so much negativity attached to our politicians from all sides it’s very disheartening. It’s time most of them remember their real purpose and truly begin to serve their country.
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