| JA. Leaders urge end to violence. |
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Political leaders in Jamaica have used Independence Day messages to urge Jamaicans to avoid further election campaign violence.Jamaica on Monday marked the 45th anniversary of its independence from Britain.  For the first time, the anniversary is closely followed by an election -- on 27 Aug. The campaign has been marred by outbreaks of violence, a point taken up in their messages to the nation by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and the Opposition Leader, Bruce Golding.Mrs Simpson Miller said: "I call on all our leaders, and everyone with a heart of love for this country, to help spread the word that violence serves no useful purpose."No one wins.  Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. Everyone loses. Let us give the year of our 45th anniversary of Independence special meaning by making the high season of political campaigning and the conduct of our elections peaceful and dignified."Mr Golding expressed his sadness that the election campaign has been marred by violence among political foes.He said: "It is a betrayal of the struggle that was waged and the sacrifices that were made to secure our Independence."It is not too late, for we have three weeks to go, for us to redeem the legacy left to us by those who fought for our Independence."  Opposition Leader, Bruce Golding.Election campaigning was put on pause during the days leading up to the anniversary but is now expected to resume. Among those receiving national independence honours were the political ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair, cricket umpire Steve Bucknor and former West Indies cricketer Maurice Foster. |
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