Protesters rally at Cross Roads to voice discontent with Holness administration

Scores of placard-bearing demonstrators gathered at the Cross Roads Clock and War Memorial in Kingston this morning to express their discontent with several actions taken by the Holness administration.

Chief among the concerns is the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which would facilitate the temporary transit of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) through Jamaica.

The agreement has become a source of contention with many citizens complaining that the Government only informed the public about the MOU after the media brought it to the fore.

The Government has argued that it only wanted to finalize the terms of the MOU before telling the public about it.

However, that argument has not been well received by several Jamaicans including this morning’s protesters.

According to one of the protest organizers, Hodrick Miller, Jamaicans fear the Government is not being forthcoming in the administration of its affairs.

With so many Jamaicans still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Melissa last October, he questioned if Jamaica can afford to accommodate TCNs under the agreement.

The demonstrators are also calling for the removal of Member of Parliament Dr. Andrew Wheatley from Cabinet following a report from the Integrity Commission.

The Commission had recommended charges against Dr. Wheatley regarding offences including illicit enrichment.

Dr. Wheatley has rejected the allegations and is to challenge them in court.

Groups have argued that he should step aside until the matter has been resolved.