KINGSTON, Jamaica – The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Wednesday “strongly condemned” an incident where shots were reportedly fired at the Member of Parliament for Kingston Central, Donovan Williams, and his campaign team on Tuesday night.
Donovan Williams (File Photo)“Thankfully, no one was hurt and Mr Williams’ security was able to repel the gun attack. The police are investigating the incident. The Jamaica Labour Party strongly condemns this attack on Mr Williams and his team. We urge the police to leave no stone unturned in bringing to justice the perpetrators of the attack,” said the chairman of the JLP’s campaign committee, Dr Christopher Tufton.
We are confident that all well-thinking Jamaicans will join us in condemning the incident, which represents an affront to our democratic processes. Mr Williams has been doing a good job in Kingston Central, and he has the full support of the Jamaica Labour Party as he seeks re-election. The unfortunate incident should never be allowed to re-occur,” he added.
Media reports said that Williams and his campaign team came under gunfire from gunmen who had emerged from a vehicle. A vehicle assigned to a member of Williams’ campaign team and a billboard which bears the image of Williams and Prime Minister Andrew Holness were damaged by the bullets.
Williams has since released audio detailing the incident and called for calm.
“While I was with my campaign team at the intersection of South Camp Road and Tower Street, a motor car approached. Several men exited the vehicle and opened fire at the team. We took evasive action and the men returned to the car and sped off,” Williams said.
“I want to appeal to my supporters to remain calm. We will not be intimidated, but I appeal for calm,” Williams added.
The two main political parties are gearing up for a general election expected to be held in September.
Prime Minister Holness, who in 2016 became Jamaica’s youngest ever elected head of government, is seeking a third consecutive term in office at the helm of JLP. He is being challenged by Mark Golding, the leader of the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP).
