Opposition Senator, Kamina Johnson-Smith, says Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller missed an opportunity to demonstrate real leadership when she addressed the beating death of 31-year-old construction worker, Mario Deane.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue at a PNP meeting in St. Ann last evening.
Mrs. Simpson Miller says she had not spoken publicly before, but her Justice and National Security Ministers have made statements on the matter.
But, Senator Johnson-Smith says the prime Minister missed the point.
Speaking at the PNP’s annual constituency conference in North West St. Ann yesterday, Mrs Simpson Miller offered condolences to Mr. Deane’s family.
She says her administration will not allow the rights of citizens to be trampled, even if they’ve run afoul of the law.
This, more than a week after the issue came to public attention.
After coming under criticism from several quarters, including the parliamentary opposition, for failing to comment on Mr. Deane’s killing and other important national issues, Mrs. Simpson Miller fired back at her critics.
Speaking with Nationwide News today, Senator Johnson Smith responded, saying the Prime Minister was off the mark.
Senator Johnson-Smith also criticized the Prime Minister for choosing to address the issue on a political platform.
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