RASTAFARIAN ACTIVIST OMAR RYAN, CALLS FOR BETTER ROADS IN ST. THOMAS!

Omar Ryan, the organizer of the recent mass demonstrations in St Thomas over the road conditions in that parish, has denied having any political motive.

Ryan was arrested earlier this week, reportedly on suspicion of being involved in criminal activity, but that only fueled the popularity of the man who has become an overnight cult hero in St Thomas for his activism.

But he has been accused of being an operative of the Opposition People’s National Party in a bid to embarrass the Jamaica Labor Party-led government. After his release from police custody on Wednesday, Ryan took to Facebook to dismiss those allegations.

Omar Ryan

“Our call for better roads is not a political ploy as the two parties are trying to get mileage from our voice,” Ryan said.

“Those who know me whether JLP or PNP will know that my politics is beyond JLP and PNP right and left politics. I am Rastafari,” he added.

He however did not deny being previously associated with the PNP, while at the same time declaring that he was born into a “Laborite family”.

“My father, Lawerence Ryan aka Blacka is one of the biggest political activist from St. Thomas for the JLP. He is my biggest political influence. I am from a laborite family and my cousins online can attest to that. I do not deny my past connections with the PNP. As a youth I have searched and I want to learn, however my politics is radical,” Ryan wrote on Facebook.

He added: “It is people centered. It is not tribal. It is not gun and rum. My politics is about mentoring youth and children to bring out the best in them for a better tomorrow. My politics is effective and hardline non compromising wise representation. JLP and PNP just leave my thing alone.”

St Thomas residents have staged a series of mass demonstrations, used downed trees, stones and other debris to block the roadways, in protest over the deplorable road conditions in the parish and what they say have been the inaction of the authorities in addressing the issue.