Deeply troubling ... Gov’t senator flays Brown Burke over comments on security measure

Erica Virtue, Senior Gleaner Writer

Government Senator Matthew Samuda today demanded that the St Andrew South West Member of Parliament Angela Brown Burke apologises for suggesting that she would take to the streets if a State of Emergency were to be declared in the St Andrew South Police division.

Samuda was speaking at a special sitting to debate a resolution for the extension of the State of Emergency in St James.

The extension, approved by the House of Representatives yesterday, was also approved by Senators.

Samuda said he was deeply troubled by the remarks of the MP in whose constituency 31 criminal gangs have been identified.

IN PHOTO: Angela Brown Burke 

“It is in that context that I am deeply troubled by recent declaration from the Member of Parliament for South West St Andrew that she will lead street protest if a State of Public Emergency is declared in St Andrew South Division, where there has been a 200 per cent spike in murders…” Samuda said prior to the vote to extend the measure in St James.

"What kind of message is that Mr President? Her words, not mine. An area where the security forces say 31 gangs are in operation. The MP, who is also a vice president in the PNP, the Opposition, must withdraw that illogical and unfortunate statement,” Samuda charged.

"I take no pleasure in saying this sir. But in light of that statement the member who I know could not have meant what she said, she couldn't, must withdraw it. She must state clearly that she is on the side of law abiding citizens, cause it's her words, not mine,” Samuda said.

He also chided Opposition Senator KD Knight who threatened to rouse up the citizenry if the government did not present a crime plan by the end of April.

Another government Senator Charles Sinclair said the position of the Opposition regarding support for extension in St James caused unnecessary panic as the impression was given that it would not support an extension.

Charles, a Councillor in the St James Municipal Corporation, said there was 90 per cent support for an extension.

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