Holness' comments dangerous for tourism, says 'Shuka' Henry

Western Bureau:

People's National Party candidate for North West St James Anthony 'Shuka' Henry is warning that statements made by Opposition Leader Andrew Holness in the aftermath of shootings in Sam Sharpe Square on Sunday night will have major implications for Jamaica's tourism industry.

The incident, which occurred during a Jamaica Labour Party mass rally, resulted in the deaths of three persons. Despite the location of the incident, however, the police have indicated it was the result of a gang feud and was not believed to be politically motivated.

Holness, during an interview with the media, said, among other things, that "what happened tonight was an attack on the democratic process".

Henry, a newcomer to the political arena, described the comments as reckless.

In a declaration after he was nominated Tuesday afternoon, he claimed Holness' statement undermined the work and

integrity of the security forces "whom we rely on to protect us citizens".

Criticising the opposition leader bitterly, he said leaders have the responsibility to work with the security forces; allow them to carry out their investigations and not colour those investigations with aspersions.

Like his opponent, the Jamaica Labour Party's Horace Chang, Henry said he was confident of a win in North West St James.

Speaking with conviction, he said it was obvious that this was the beginning of the end of the reign of the incumbent.

"I am fully confident based on the support that has been given to me by the constituents of North West St James," he argued.