PNP sees positives from renewed Vale Royal talks

The Vale Royal talks, according to People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding, have been quite successful in facilitating much-needed conversation between the Government and the Opposition on national issues.

National security, constitutional reform, health, and the Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee celebrations were among the topics discussed during the three-and-a-half-hour dialogue, which was held on February 22, 2022.

“I think a better understanding of our positions was achieved and that’s very important,” said Golding. He added that he would like to see the commencement of the work in areas that have been identified.

Golding said he hoped the prime minister would `arrange more of these consultations so that the Opposition’s positions can be taken into account.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Golding discussed the unacceptably high levels of crime and violence that continue to bedevil the country.

Police statistics show that between January 1 and February 19, the country recorded 206 murders, 157 shootings and 130 robberies.

In an interview with The Gleaner, Golding asserted that he and the prime minister have established an understanding over the PNP’s opposition to the use of states of public emergencies (SOEs).

Golding described the PNP’s stance against SOEs as a “sound” position to an ineffective crime-fighting tool, but acknowledged that he planned to assist the Government in finding more effective solutions and strategies to combat crime.

“We are all in favour of constructive engagement around crime, we helped them with the ZOSO legislation in Parliament [and] we will do the same with the Firearms bill which is now in Parliament and we have pointed out some ideas to them that we think should be included in the Enhanced Security Measures bill which we have been waiting for a long time and it’s still not before us,” said Golding.

The proposed law on Enhanced Security Measures is intended to provide the security forces with the tools they need to dismantle criminal networks, minimise violence, and restore public order.

“I am looking forward to seeing those ideas expressed in the legislation that hopefully will reach Parliament shortly,” he added.

Golding had also expressed a desire for Jamaica to part ways with the British monarchy in short order and to have its own Jamaican-born head of state.

When Barbados removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state on November 30, 2021, it reignited and heightened discussions locally that Jamaica may follow suit. As a result, Prime Minister Holness declared last year that Jamaica would become a republic soon.

Golding acknowledged that the ruling Jamaica Labour Party “seems to be committed to it as well,” but confessed that the Government was not moving as expeditiously as the PNP would like it to move.