The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) released Mr. Holness’ statement yesterday, following reports of the stoning of buses transporting Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters from a mass rally in Mandeville on Sunday night (December 4).

The release said that the Prime Minister has instructed the Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator Arthur Williams, to make a formal report to the Political Ombudsman and to the security forces.

“Senator Williams noted that both the Ombudsman and the police are being requested to   monitor the situation, to ensure that no one is made to feel intimidated and should be free to openly promote and support the political party of their choice,” the OPM release said.

Senator Williams said that there were reports of persons being injured, and that privately owned and operated buses undertaking regular commercial activities were seriously damaged, after the meeting.

"These bus operators were not politically engaged. They were carrying out their regular business and have suffered major financial losses with these attacks,” he said.

OPM noted that Prime Minister Holness stated Sunday that the country was on the verge of a new beginning.

‘We are on the verge of a new Jamaica, a bright new beginning and it is time for us to move away from backward and barbaric behaviour,” he said.