Generation 2000

Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), notes with concern and consternation Opposition Leader Portia Simpson-Miller’s decision to use Patrick Roberts as a pawn in her current efforts to avoid dealing with the Garrison issue head on.

In a recent release PNP Candidate Patrick Roberts, who is currently before the courts on a serious gun-related charge, posits that he wants to walk with the Prime Minister.

This statement further validates our position that the PNP headed by Mrs Simpson Miller is not a willing partner in the transformation of Jamaica's political culture. This tactic betrays that fact.

G2K reminds all Jamaicans that in 2007 the Prime Minister decided not to walk with Mr Roberts as it was not believed by many that he was a credible partner for peace in West Central St Andrew. The Prime Minister took the stance not to walk with persons associated with violence or of suspect character. And though he was criticized at the time he has since been vindicated.

G2K encourages the Prime Minister to maintain his stance as based on an Observer/Don Anderson Poll published today 82 percent of Jamaicans support his call for the walk.

G2K is however concerned that the Leader of the Opposition is trying to avoid this symbol of peace and unity by imposing conditions she knows are already being dealt with by the Andrew Holness led administration.

Prime Minister Holness in his inauguration speech already declared his commitment to improving the conditions of inner city communities and the Government of Jamaica along with the donor community have developed and started to implement a comprehensive programme of community development led by the the relevant government Agencies and Departments.

An important part of this renewal is having a change of the politics of exclusion. G2K is already seeing that the Prime Minister's call for the breakdown of political barriers is working.

G2K pointed out that Nomination Day activities saw PNP and JLP celebrating together in unity especially in the Prime Minister's constituency. It would appear that people are moving towards unity and better politics. This movement may very well leave Patrick Roberts and Portia Simpson Miller behind.

G2K called on the Opposition Leader to embrace the evolution of the mindset of the Jamaican People in relation to this issue and put the shifty and deceptive politics of old behind her.