Political tensions mar health centre opening in St Mary

The official opening of the Belfield Community Health Centre in St Mary on Thursday was overshadowed by political chaos as tensions flared between supporters of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the Opposition People's National Party (PNP).

The disruption began when former JLP Member of Parliament for St Mary South Eastern, Dr Norman Dunn, was allowed to give greetings near the end of the function. He was not listed on the official printed event programme.

His attempt to highlight his advocacy for the construction of the state-of-the-art health facility was met with resistance from PNP supporters, prompting sitting PNP MP Christopher Brown to stand up at the front of the gathering during Dunn's speech.

Brown defeated Dunn in last September's general election.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton appealed for calm, but the tension persisted, with supporters exchanging accusations.

Tufton ultimately called for a prayer from a Seventh-Day Adventist pastor at the event to help restore order.

The situation escalated further after the ribbon-cutting and tours of the facility, as crowds gathered outside.

Police were present to maintain order.

During an attempt by The Gleaner to interview the sitting MP, a man angrily shouted, “nuh interview caan do inna mi yard,” ordering the MP off the premises.

The incident sparked verbal attacks from a hostile PNP crowd defending their MP.

The man then fled as stones were hurled at the crowd.

Gareth Davis Snr

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