PNP Says PM’s Planned Defamation Lawsuit is an Attempt to Muzzle the Party

General Secretary of the People’s National Party, Dr. Dayton Campbell, says the threat of legal action by attorneys representing Prime Minister Andrew Holness, is an attempt to muzzle criticism of his actions.

Dr. Campbell says the PNP will not be deterred from highlighting the failures of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister has instructed his legal team to file defamation lawsuits against senior members of the Opposition PNP, over comments made at a media briefing.

The comments concern the dates on which the Prime Minister became aware of an Integrity Commission investigation into allegations of illicit enrichment.

In a statement on Friday, the party called the threatened lawsuit a frivolous spectre.

It says it will not stop the Party from carrying out its representational duties and constitutional responsibilities as the Opposition.

Dr. Campbell says Mr. Holness had a moral obligation to tell the Jamaican people that he was aware of an investigation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Campbell says neither the PNP nor the Jamaican people have confidence in Mr. Holness’ leadership and would support a call of no confidence in the House of Representatives.

The PNP General Secretary says Mr. Holness remains in office only as a result of the parliamentary majority which shields him.

Dr. Dayton Campbell, General Secretary of the People’s National Party.