Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Vice-president of the People's National Party (PNP), Dr. Peter Phillips, says he will support any decision of the police to ban political motorcades, if the situation warrant it.

The National Security Minister made the comments while speaking with The Gleaner at the end of the Department of Correctional Services' Restorative Justice Forum at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Wednesday night.

The minister, noting that the banning of motorcades has happened in the past, said that the responsibility for determining what would not be permitted is that of the commissioner of police, without his interference or influence.

"Whatever the decisions are taken by the security forces, I would support them," Dr. Phillips stressed.

Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Several reports of violence

With the campaign between the two main political parties - the governing PNP and the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party - intensifying as the general election draws closer, there have been several reports of violence associated with motorcades. Also, there have been clear violations of the Road Traffic Regulations, with supporters overcrowding buses and other vehicles, some hanging from doors and windows and even sitting on top of vehicles.

Government Senator Professor Trevor Munroe, last week in the Senate called for the banning of all campaign motorcades after the date of the election is announced.

According to Dr. Phillips, despite one's political affiliation, during motorcades, the law must be upheld.

"The responsibility of the security forces is to ensure that people have a right to express themselves while ensuring that public order is maintained," he stated.

"If it is the decision in any section of the island or for the island as a whole that these motorcades should be banned, then it will have my full support," Dr. Phillips added.

Former Police Commissioner Francis Forbes, during the run-up to the last general election in October 2002, banned motorcades in six violence-plagued constituencies on the recommendation of the Electoral Advisory Committee.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com