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Time to Park Political Motorcades and Shut Rallies?

Less than 24 hours ago, a motorcade of about eight vehicles carrying Jamaica Labour Party supporters was attacked in Flanker, St James, Jamaica. The police have confirmed that at least one man is dead on Kodak Street in Flanker. The motorcade was also stoned.

On Sunday night, at a mass JLP rally in Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, three men were killed. The incident was reported as being crimes committed between rival gang members, no relation to the rally or the JLP.

Here is the thing: Thousands of people travel from different locations across the island in over-crowded vehicles running on borrowed petrol from Venezuela.

Do we actually know who is traveling with us? Are formal IDs verified and names recorded prior to each vehicle being boarded? Do these details correspond with a database at a Party constituency office?

Here is another thing: How can the Police maintain law and order with an event that spreads farther than the square it is being held in? Four corners of the space are filled to capacity, the streets leading into the square are dimly-lit AND I highly doubt CCTV facilities are used to remotely monitor public movement.

Why not host these rallies in large spaces that are more secure? The Montego Bay Convention Centre lies empty most of the year, burning millions of dollars in upkeep and the Trelawny Stadium seems on the verge of becoming a grazing ground for animals.

Charge a minimal fee for supporters to attend, say, $100, search personal possessions before they are allowed entry and provide security measures throughout the event.

After all, these politicians we assume will enhance the quality of our lives are rolling up by themselves in their high-end air-conditiones SUVs while we are jostling for space on a vehicle or at risk from criminals who jump on the motorcade from town to town.

JLP and PNP supporters - Image Source: jamaicaobserver.com
JLP and PNP supporters – Image Source: jamaicaobserver.com

By Neo Makeba

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