Wilfred Rattigan pens open letter over ‘perceived threats’ from Prime Minister Holness, JLP supporter

In a three-page missive dated July 6, 2024, a copy of which Old Harbour News has seen, the retired FBI Special Agent, alluded to recent comments made by the Jamaica Prime Minister and one of his “fervent” supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government.

Click link here to read full letter.

Last month Mr Holness revealed that the government will be taking steps to track and identify persons who have been deliberately spreading false information about the government on social media. Regarding Holness’ comment Rattigan further alluded to statements made by well-known JLP supporter Christopher O’Neil McCurdy also known as ‘Chopper John’ who is alleged to be the voice in an audio conversation making the rounds on social media, saying that steps have been taken already to determine the real identity and in some instances place of residence of some vloggers spreading disinformation about the Holness administration.

In light of the public statements made by the PM and McCurdy, I perceive a clear intent to intimidate and threaten me and my social media colleagues for engaging in constitutionally permissible action,” said Rattigan who is a practicing attorney in the US and YouTube vlogger.

He then added that the statements “suggest a concerning pattern and practice of potential violation of constitutional rights, physical harm and intimidation” but notwithstanding will continue to voice his views in “pursuit of holding this and future Jamaican governments accountable”.

The erstwhile US state investigator also contends that should any harm committed towards him, his family or persons critical of the Holness administration, the Prime Minister, Mr McCurdy must be “considered prime suspects” and should be placed on a US watchlist where they are monitored and possibly subjected to visa revocation.

Holness’ comment had triggered a public firestorm from Jamaicans here and overseas with many branding him a dictator. In the days thereafter and amid increasing public backlash Mr Holness clarified his comments while announcing a new portal – factcheckjamaica.com – managed by the state-owned Jamaica Information Service (JIS) to determine the accuracy of information about the government and its programmes.

“We also want you to help us track fake news and other distortion and misinformation, because if you report it to us we will be able to report it to the platforms on which these are posted,” Holness was quoted saying. “The platforms have an obligation to ensure that their platform is not used for mischief, for misinformation, and other nefarious activities. The objective of the Government is to create a safe online space that you can feel safe in using.”

As a US citizen Rattigan’s concerns raised in his letter could potentially trigger an investigation by state agents in Washington that could have deeper implications for Kingston.