Jamaica’s Political Game is a Gamble

Everyone knows that over the years I have always disliked Jamaica’s political arena; however, this year is quite different. With all that has been transpiring since Portia ‘flew the gate’ some weeks ago, I can’t help but to sit back, relax, enjoy the show and of course, blog! The past few days has proved to be an interesting one in Jamaica’s political history. In the government’s quest to evade the national debate, they’ve issued a statement demanding an apology from Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness for referring to Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller as a ‘con artist’. Now for the PNP to decline a debate against this background is rather foolish as trash talk among politicians is common during election season. In the same way high school students’ squabble about their indifferences, politicians hurl words across the fence in an effort to attract the masses. Its all in the name of politics! Therefore, the government needs to stop being so petty and get over it! If that was not enough, the PNP also wishes for the debate structure to be changed and lastly much to my annoyance, they called for Holness to declare the source of funding for his assets. All this before they consider participating in the national debate? To demand transparency from Holness yet avoid a forum where your accountability will come into question is blatant hypocrisy. The Government not knowing that Holness would be courageous enough to reveal his financial details, opened a can of oil which they seem to now be sliding in as a plethora of questions are now left to be answered by them.

Now with that in mind, I use this medium to express my unbiased thoughts on the current issues at hand. Before delving into the matter, let me first begin by stating that I am in no way, shape or form affiliated with either political party. I am just an ordinary Jamaican citizen who is interested in the affairs of my country and the way it is governed.

Let me first address the issue of the debate. For a political party to decline a national debate is rather ludicrous. This shouldn’t even be a questionable issue; national debates during election season should be mandatory. I strongly believe that the PNP’s decision to ‘duck the debate’ was carefully strategized as a ploy to evade the media and the people of Jamaica. The PNP’s recent comments about its participation in the election debate serve as a reminder why many persons are turned off by Jamaica’s political system. Simpson Miller’s attempt to extract herself from the debates demoralizes the basic principles of good governance: openness and transparency. Some may want to dismiss the importance of a political debate but they serve as a platform for politicians to discuss their manifestos and it also provides us with an opportunity to assess how well they’re able to think on their feet in challenging situations. While politicians may use rallies and street meetings to misinform the masses with propaganda this sort of privilege isn’t afforded in a political debate. Die-hearted supporters already know which party they’re voting for and the debates won’t change their minds. On the other hand, the undecided like myself see the debates as a necessity as they help us to analyze our leaders’ stance on certain issues.

1. How exactly is the integrity of Parliament protected by refusing to participate in the national political debate?

2. Wouldn’t Parliament be better off if the government elected to lead got there by offering a strong and credible defense of their policy positions?

3. Wouldn’t Parliament be better off if both Andrew and Portia were placed before us and interrogated on every single issue facing us Jamaicans?

4. Should the PNP return to government on February 26, doesn’t Simpson-Miller intend to answer questions from Holness?

5. Why should we cast ballots for politicians who deem it necessary to hold our democracy at ransom by opting out of debates?

My fellow Jamaicans, it is time we hold our politicians accountable and responsible. I move the motion that leaders of both political parties must participate in mandatory debates during every election campaign; one where both leaders are questioned by members of the media and one which is open to the public. In addition to this, eliminate these flamboyant street rallies and allow for a debate in each constituency between candidates for those areas. We must change our political culture if we want a better future.

On to the issue of Andrew’s assets. I am appalled as to how this even surfaced. Who doesn’t want to enjoy the fruits of their labor? It is everyone’s dream to live in a nice house (whether big or small), drive a nice vehicle, take trips across the globe and take care of their families. Unless I have the equation totally wrong? For a politician’s assets and his family affairs to be the center of a political controversy is beyond me, I can’t fathom how the country is faced with so many problems yet this is what takes forefront. Masa God what if Andrew neva tell us wha gwaan? Tings woulda look shady, all hell woulda bruk loose and what a nasty election it would be! For Dr. Phillips to use this as a ploy to distract the electorate from the JLP’s 10-point-plan is absolutely ridiculous. By doing this, he has trekked down a rocky path without even knowing it. Any well-thinking business oriented individual knows that placing all your eggs in one basket and investing all your funds in a country such as Jamaica where the economy is failing is a foolish idea. Which is why being the sensible economists that the Holness family is, they sought to invest offshore…smart move! Is having an international business company registered overseas illegal? No it isn’t, tax evasion and tax avoidance are two different things; the former is illegal while the latter isn’t. Being the Finance Minister, one would think that Phillips would understand the reality of the business world.

Going forward, I propose the following even though sadly, they won’t be implemented:

1. Members of parliament (MPs) should reside in the constituency which they wish to represent; real representation will only be made when one experiences the real needs of people.

2. Ministers of government should be selected, not merely because they have been elected to represent a constituency, but on the basis that they have the knowledge and expertise in the area over which they have been asked to govern.

3. Citizens should be allowed to vote for their party leader separate from their MP’s. We all know that some MP’s do absolutely nothing within the communities they serve yet you’re forced to vote for them just so that JLP or PNP becomes the next ruling government. The number of votes accumulated by MP’s within a particular constituency shouldn’t be a determinant as to who becomes Prime Minister. This is a recipe for disaster. What will happen is that you have a hardworking leader and a lackadaisical MP wherein the candidate who lost in that constituency would make a better MP. Sigh!

Why do people vote is another issue that I have always baffled with. It is sad that majority of the electorate have no clue as to why they vote; they simply vote on the basis of party favoritism. Let us face the reality that for years Jamaica has been a PNP monopoly, in all my 25 years on Earth they’ve been the people’s favorite. So regardless if Tanto Blacks or Gully Bop was leader of the PNP, you would see people walking around talking about ‘Tana Monae/Real Rich Politics’ or ‘every gyal want a wuk offa mi’. Jamaican political elections are not about choosing a better leader for our beloved country, it’s about staying loyal to orange or green. That’s why the progress of the island will forever be at a snail’s pace and sadly that’s not even the fault of the leaders, but the fault of the people. The bells are ringing and the heads are bobbing. Who will it be? On the night of Thursday, February 25 we will know which political party has won the ‘lottery’.

I am Laydee Sharmz® saying think thoroughly before placing your ‘X’ next Thursday as your future and our children’s future depend on it! May God bless Jamaica land we love…