Jamaica PM Holness and opposition leader Phillips holds private talks

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips this afternoon held private talks at Vale Royal on security and crime management in Jamaica.

It culminates public exchanges of correspondences between both leaders over a meeting to discuss the end of the States of Public Emergency in St James, St Catherine North and sections of the corporate area.

On December 31, Holness wrote to Phillips seeking a meeting today to hear from the Opposition Leader why an extension of the States of Emergency would not be constitutional. A reply was sent back by Phillips saying he and his team would not be available to meet today and instead proposed January 7.

In a joint release this afternoon, the Office of the Prime Minister said both Leaders held full, frank and confidential discussions.

They reportedly agreed that a meeting of teams from the Government and Opposition will take place next Monday, January 7, 2019.

They also agreed that, at the Monday meeting, a date will be determined for a meeting with other stakeholders.