“A War Dem Come Fi War!” Footage Shows Wild Clash Between JLP and PNP Supporters in Kingston – Videos

As tensions remain high following the Local Government Elections, supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP) clashed on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony for councillors in Downtown, Kingston.

Newly elected councillors were scheduled to be sworn in earlier today. But the ceremony was marred by a massive clash of supporters outside the offices of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) on Church Street.

In addition to the 38 councillors from the JLP and PNP that were sworn in, Andrew Swaby of the PNP was sworn in as KSAMC’s chairman and the mayor of Kingston. The former mayor, the JLP’s Delroy Williams, was sworn in as the deputy mayor.  

A section of Church Street was cordoned off, and chairs were placed outside to allow the numerous party supporters to observe the ceremony. Deputy Superintendent of Police Eucal Francis disclosed to the Jamaica Gleaner that PNP supporters attempted to block the view of the proceeding from JLP supporters.

Both party supporters proceeded to clash outside. In footage taken during the incident, supporters dressed in green and orange can be seen under the tented seating area hurling several objects, including the chairs provided to them to watch the event.

As the incident escalated, with chairs thrown at both ends of the tent, those not participating in the chaos were forced to flee.

“Yuh nuh si a war dem come fi war,” a female supporter chanted at one point.

In another video taken from the scene, the seating area can be seen in disarray as the swearing-in ceremony can be heard continuing inside the KSAMC office despite the chaos unfolding outside. While officers are said to have been called to quell the uproar, the officers spotted in the video were seemingly overwhelmed.

Watch the video below.