Jamaica must focus on its people not party politics

Patrick Maitland-Feb 29, 2016

Things are changing politically in Jamaica as for the first time the People’s National Party (PNP) was giving one term to govern following general elections on Feb 25. With a slight lead of 33-30 seats, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) defeated the incumbent and is set to form the new government during the next several days.

The JLP faced a similar rejection in the Dec 2011 elections and was the first ‘one-term government.’ But, a ‘one-term government,’ for the PNP was never expected in the so-called ‘PNP country’ where the party ‘run things’ for 26 of the last 30 years. In fact, from 1989-2007 it was always a PNP regime for almost two decades.

However, since independence 1962, both parties have had their fair share of managing Jamaica and are therefore responsible for our successes and failures. The people are now very frustrated with our political parties to the point that the number of undecided voters now peaks at 50%.

Jamaicans are now of the view that their political parties have each conspired and carefully developed policies to keep the respective party in power at the expense of the national good of Jamaica.

 Our human resource capital matches any developed countries with some of the most brilliant thinkers. 

Jamaica is located a few hours from the US – one of largest and most powerful nation. Brand Jamaica is well respected and fetches high price. Jamaica’s climate is suitable for various investment in tourism and agriculture.

Yet, for decades, Jamaica has struggled with low growth, high public debt and many external shocks that further weakened the economy. Over the last 30 years, real per capita GDP increased at an average of just one percent per year, making Jamaica one of the slowest growing developing countries in the world. 

According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, unemployment rate in Jamaica is about 13.2%, with youth unemployment of 38%, more than twice the national rate. Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines is estimated at 20% of the population. Murdering over a 1,000 people annually is a major issue affecting Jamaica. Widespread corruption and the misused of government resources are also among the depressing tendencies that keep the people poor. 

However, despite the maneuvering and other weaknesses of governance, democracy continues to be very vibrant and active in Jamaica as witnessed in the general elections that saw 63 candidates freely elected by the people. Nevertheless, we are very worried that if Jamaica continues to be plagued with serious social and economic issues it could threaten our democracy and plunge more people into further poverty. 

But, Jamaicans are generally very political along party line and will only support their respective party. 

The opposing party cannot do anything right and must be condemned for “destroying Jamaica.” Such misguided culture and attitude is not helping Jamaica and should also be condemned.

 Jamaicans voted for the Andrew Holness’ lead JLP with only a three-seat majority and after four years into her first term, dumped the Portia Simpson Miller administration. This is an indication that the people want real changes and are moving away from the strong partisan option.

 In our opinion, especially the young people are becoming mature and really don’t care which party is in power, they want tangible results to improve their living standard. They don’t want to remain poor and helpless. Therefore, we should always respect the wish of the voters and urge the JLP to get to work and address the issues of the people with urgency.

 The focus should always be on the people and not what is best to keep the party in power.   from www.streethypenewspaper.com