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PNP supporters protesting Edward Seaga highway renaming

Published:Tuesday | June 12, 2018 | 11:28 AM

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) has warned that it will look to overturn the Government’s decision to rename the north-south section of Highway 2000 in honour of former Prime Minister Edward Seaga.

Hours before the renaming ceremony started this morning, PNP Chairman Fitz Jackson, who was among a group of protestors near the Mandela entrance to the highway, told The Gleaner that the party will continue to oppose the move.

"We chose to be here instead of attending the ceremony, as we see this as disrespecting another prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller, who this highway should be named after," said Jackson.

"Mr Seaga was totally against the highway construction. Now it is to be named after him. That's ridiculous to say the least. And as a result whenever we hold the reign of government again, we will revisit the naming," said Jackson.

He said it was unprincipled and disservice to the work of Simpson Miller, under whose tenure the highway actually came to light.

According to Jackson, Prime Minister Andrew Holness should withdraw the renaming and instead consult with the opposition in a bipartisan fashion to honour Simpson Miller.

"The record shows that Mrs Simpson Miller is the most deserving of this naming. They have no shame," said Jackson.

The ceremony to officially name the highway is now underway at the Moneague entrance of the highway.

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