The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Andrew Holness says that given recent developments involving two senior parish councillors of the Peoples National Party  who have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the lotto scam in western Jamaica, it is patently clear that the present legal framework within which political parties operate cannot adequately protect the political process from criminal activity either through tainted funding or infiltration by criminals.

 Mr. Holness further stated there is no more opportune time than now, for the country to fast track legislation for the registration of political parties in an effort to insulate them from criminal activity.

Mr. Holness expressed strongly that the legislation for the registration of political parties and the regulation of campaign financing also contains provisions which can assist in the development of appropriate standards.
He has called on political parties to establish and publish the criteria used in establishing minimum standards by which candidates for political offices are selected.

Mr. Holness further calls on the Peoples National Party to take decisive action now to reassure the Jamaican people that they are prepared to foster political integrity.

The Opposition Leader said that the previous government had begun the process of having the existing political code of conduct strengthened and made into law, with civil and criminal sanctions for certain breaches. As a nation, he said, we must revisit that effort and seek to strengthen it where necessary.

The Opposition Leader concluded that while we engage in merriment in celebrating Jamaica 50, we must also be mindful of the failings of the last 50 years and seek to advance those efforts that will lead to a better Jamaica in the next 50 years.

Contact Information
Senator Arthur Williams
908 -2415
381- 4954