Pearnel Charles Jr, Member of Parliament (MP) for South East Clarendon, launched a strong attack on the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) during a Jamaica Labour Party Parish Meeting in St Thomas on the weekend, accusing them of sabotage and warning voters to stay vigilant ahead of the September elections.

Charles Jr criticised the PNP, alleging that they removed his campaign posters. He used the incident as a metaphor for what he believes a PNP-led government would do to Jamaica. “The PNP, under the cover of the night, went up and took down our banner to Choose Jamaica,” he said.

He claims this act represents more than vandalism—it’s symbolic of the PNP’s broader agenda. “I want to tell Jamaica, who is listening and watching, that is exactly what the PNP intend to do to Jamaica. They will tear down anything that is positive that the JLP has done.”

Continuing his criticism, Charles Jr said the PNP offers empty slogans and broken promises. “They will say to you, ‘Time come,’ but they will not have any reason why. The PNP is not to be trusted. The PNP only have bandulu plans, broken promises and bad decisions.”

He turned his attention to voters, encouraging them to pay close attention to their political leaders in order to make informed decisions. “Every single Jamaican voter, listen to me carefully. If you are a Jamaican voter, if you support the JLP, if you don’t know who to support, listen to me carefully tonight. You must be vigilant. Vigilant means, don’t let anybody come into your ears and tell you what you must do. Think for yourself,” Charles Jr continued.

The MP also defended the government’s performance, highlighting gains in public safety, employment, and infrastructure. “When you look at where Jamaica is now, why should we as a country, thus way, a government that is reducing crime? Why should we, as a country, throw away a government that is increasing employment for the people? Why should we in St Thomas throw away a government that gives us that kind of urban centre that looks better than anywhere in Miami or Hollywood,” he outlined while speaking to supporters at the JLP Parish Meeting on Sunday, August 17.

The official opening of the Morant Bay Urban Centre, which took place on May 15, was led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, signalling the start of a major initiative to modernise the parish of St Thomas and decentralise development from Kingston.

He further urged Jamaicans to protect the government in a strong, passionate call. “Labourites, we have a responsibility to protect Andrew Holness.”

Charles Jr also urged supporters to stay alert and united in what he described as a fight for Jamaica’s future. “The bad mind PNP a prey against [Holness]. They want to see us trip. They want to see us fall. Don’t respond to their bandulu foolishness. Stay on the path. Stay focused,” he added.