Arrant nonsense — JLP lashes Bunting

Says security minister is incapable of handling security portfolio

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

THE Opposition Jamaica Labour Party has dubbed Security Minister Peter Bunting's accusation that the party failed to implement a crime policy drafted in 2007 as rubbish. Bunting made the claim during a press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday and drew the ire of the JLP.

"Minister of National Security Peter Bunting stated that the previous government failed to implement a policy drafted in 2007. The Opposition said that this is arrant nonsense and a poor excuse by Bunting for the present failures," the JLP said in a release.

Opposition Spokesman on National Security Delroy Chuck, said the National Security Policy of 2007 outlined by former security minister Peter Phillips had eight primary objectives all of which were not only implemented, but improved on by the JLP administration.

Chuck also argued that the former JLP government outlined new strategies which included:

Improving the management and capabilities of the Police Force;

Enacting appropriate legislation; and

Improving Community Safety and Security as a crime fighting tool.

"In respect of legislation the draft of the Anti-Gang Legislation was sent to Bunting and other stakeholders in 2011 for examination and comment. No comment was ever received from Bunting or the PNP and they are only now claiming to be examining this important piece of legislation," Chuck said.

A total of 165 murders have been tallied by the police since January 1 and yesterday Bunting outlined a raft of short and long term measures the state would be implementing to collar crime but the JLP said Bunting's response to the spike in murders and shooting is unacceptable.

"It is patently clear that the portfolio of National Security is beyond the capabilities of Bunting and that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller must immediately re-examine the assignment of this portfolio, as an increase of even one murder or shooting over 2011 is unacceptable to the Jamaican people," the JLP release said.