The Editors
Jamaica Observer
42 Beechwood Ave
Kingston 10

Attention: Vernon Davidson and Desmond Allen

The Executive Committee of the People's National Party at its meeting of Monday, May 26, 2008 expressed its shock at both the content as well as the tone of your editorial of May 22, 2008 entitled the `PNP and the Audacity of Hopelessness'.  While we regard as fair comment your disagreement with any views that are expressed by our spokesman on tourism, we regard what is obviously a personal, vitriolic attack on him as a violation of the canons of good journalism. There appears to be a striking similarity between your editorial and an earlier statement made by the chairman of the Jamaica Observer on the same topic.

We are sure you are aware that in making public pronouncements our spokespersons do not speak on their own behalf but represent the views of a broader group of interests and individuals within and outside of our political party. 
This certainly is the case with the content of the statement made by Dr. McNeill.  

You have made the incorrect assumption that the assertions made in his statement are solely the result of published articles.

Dr. McNeill spoke to the fact that some Spanish investors felt that the investment climate in Jamaica had become hostile towards them. This statement still stands.

You have attributed to Dr. McNeill, a statement that at least two Spanish investors had pulled out of Jamaica . That was never a part of Dr. McNeillʼs statement.

You further seem to infer that RIU constitutes the fulcrum of the Spanish interests and investments in Jamaica .  Both your assumptions are obviously incorrect.

As a political party we abhor any attempt to violate our countryʼs sovereignty or endanger the lives and livelihood of our people.  This we have demonstrated repeatedly as a national movement both in our utterances and policies. Hence in his statement, Dr. McNeill acknowledged that all investors, both local and foreign must conform to regulations. The Party reaffirms its view that the investments of the Spanish companies in the tourism sector have been beneficial to the country as a whole.

As stated above, we do not take issue with your right to disagree with the views expressed in Dr. McNeill's statement. We, however, condemn the use of your editorial privilege to vilify him and to arrive at conclusions about his suitability for certain offices. The Party has full confidence in Dr. McNeillʼs capabilities and competence as our spokesman on tourism and he remains an important and valued member of the leadership of the People's National Party.

It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword.  We trust that your use of the former will have the hallmarks of both integrity and objectivity.

Robert Pickersgill
Chairman
People's National Party