PNP stands firm on Isat Buchanan’s candidacy, accuses JLP of hypocrisy

The People's National Party (PNP) says it strongly supports the candidacy of attorney-at-law Isat Buchanan for the East Portland constituency in the upcoming general elections.

The PNP says criticisms from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) reveal a glaring hypocrisy and a blatant attempt at political opportunism regarding the issue of rehabilitation.

READ: JLP slams PNP's selection of Isat Buchanan to run in East Portland despite criminal past

The party notes that the JLP has had among its ranks former ministers who faced imprisonment for corruption.

“Notably, Cleve Lewis, a former JLP minister, was re-elected after conviction, demonstrating that past transgressions have not prevented political success within their ranks.

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“Unfortunately for the JLP, a pattern emerges where former ministers who were convicted were members of their party, including J.A.G. Smith, who was imprisoned in the early 1990s after a conviction.”

The PNP says it acknowledges that individuals can rehabilitated and return to serve their communities.

With that in mind, it says Buchanan's past does not define him, but rather highlights that his commitment to positive change exemplifies the principles of redemption that the PNP advocates.

“The JLP's attempts to tarnish Buchanan's reputation stand in stark contrast to their own history, where individuals such as the aforementioned late Cleve Lewis who was elected three times after leaving prison.

“This inconsistency raises questions about the JLP's sincerity in its support of rehabilitation and expungement programmes.

The PNP says while it has never sought to politicise the past of any individual, the JLP's current stance against Isat Buchanan underscores a troubling double standard.

The PNP says it has consistently advocated for the principle of allowing those who have served their time the opportunity to return to public life.

“Isat Buchanan's candidacy is a reflection of the PNP's commitment to rehabilitation and service. The people of East Portland deserve a representative who understands the value of redemption and can bring a fresh perspective to their community.”