28/09/2025
The Rise of Andrew’s Authoritarianism: How the Jamaican Labour Party became a Criminal Organisation
In 2013, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was embroiled in a contentious leadership race between then leader Andrew and Deputy Leader Audley Shaw, setting the stage for a bitter internal contest that raised serious concerns about the future within the party.
Central to the controversy was Andrew’s decision to withhold the party’s Strategic Review Report from most delegates until after the leadership vote. This move raised red flags sparking allegation of deliberate undermining, transparency and accountability at a critical time. Delegates were coerced to vote without access to vital party information suppressed by Andrew, a tactic widely viewed as manipulative.
The leadership election, held in November 2013, resulted in Holness defeating Shaw. However, the outcome was overshadowed by widespread reports of unethical campaign practices, including voter suppression, intimidation and vote buying, with delegates claiming they were threatened with political consequences if they supported Shaw.
Political commentators and journalists reported instances of voter suppression with some delegates stating off the record that they felt pressured to vote in certain ways or risk losing future nominations and party support. Shaw and his supporters accused Holness’ camp of leveraging promises of appointments and political favors to secure loyalty in a bid to remove senators critical of Andrew’s leadership, including threats to delegates
12 Years Later the Pattern Continues
Though the events unfolded in 2013, the same modus operandi persist 12 years later with Andrew and his appointed allies quietly rigging the election and rushing through questionable appointments to serve and protect his ongoing corruption, now into third consecutive term.
Paul Buchanan of the People’s National Party, representing St Andrew West Central has publicly challenged the legitimacy of the September 3, 2025 general election results in his constituency. He cited incidents of violence, police intimidation, monetary voter suppression and vote buying all of which constitute breaches of the Representation of the People’s Act.
Recently Buchanan continues to be intimidated and harassed in particular calls from senior police command including a Deputy Commissioner and an Assistant Commissioner pressuring Buchanan to disclose witness information related to election day breaches, no doubt under the instruction of the “honourable” Andrew 1PM forever.
These patterns of political intimidation, vote manipulation, and institutional complicity, reflects a disturbing erosion of Jamaica’s democratic foundation. If law enforcement officials are used to protect political power rather than uphold justice, what hope is left for accountability?
Jamaicans must ask themselves, how much longer can we accept leadership that thrives on fear, silence and corruption?