Election Date Jamaica

We are now entering the "silly season" so called because of the associated senseless and careless behavior that is often associated with general Elections in Jamaica.  Coupled with the fact that it coincide with the "festive season" is like a double whammy, as they would say in the USA.  The Peoples National Party (PNP) challenge the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for the right to lead the project to build Jamaica.

This is the perfect storm for the political pundits and the practitioners will hope to play on the excitement that is common at this time of year. Is it double trouble that elections are looming at Christmas time?  will it put a damper on the lucrative Christmas buzz we have grown to know and love?

Frankly, I do not believe that the elections will be held before Christmas this year and the strongest indicator of that is in the apparent indecisiveness by the newly appointed prime minister, Andrew Holness.  While not being the most exciting speaker, Mr. Holness has demonstrated a certain thoroughness and rationality in his approach to governance.  He seems to bring a change to the whole idea of political appeasement which is common among politicians - known for their flattery and evasive strategies.

 

He gives the impression that although he does not have the oratory skills of a Barack Obama his heart is really into doing the right thing.  This sentiment is shared by many Jamaicans and the polls seem to support this notion.  In effect he wants to have a perfect situation where he can convince himself that victory is guaranteed.  So the main variable he has in his hand is time.  If he could improve the chances by extending the political mileage some more, then late December to January would set up a great opportunit for him.  But is this a prudent approach? 

While the political debates are up in question and the volley-balling is in full effect the Jamaican people are preparing themselves, bracing for the revelation of the election date and the winds of change that the season will bring. This reminds me so much of the famous 1988 storm, Gilbert.  The preparedness has peaked and the Electoral Office of Jamaica says that they are ready.  Election workers are ready, and the voters just cannot wait.  Everybody's house is in order;  or is it?  Will the debates go on, and will they tell us anything to help us prepare for the great day? The voters list has been updated to include over 41,000 new names, while the media campaigns swing into high gear.

The most popular battle which we will call the "eye wall" is brewing in the center of the island. In "cool cool" Mandeville it is getting hot with a flurry of activities bringing maximum sustained winds in the form of Danville Walker.  The incumbent Peter Bunting will have none of it however, as he begins to buckle up, "putting up a resistance". Central Manchester is the core battle ground seat in these elections and the elections I feel will be won or lost in Mandeville.

We have seen a great number of new faces on both sides, with a good balance of youth and experience as well as professional cross-overs.  Significantly the JLP has fielded a record 13 women as candidates signalling a direct intent to reshape the political landscape.  Andrew Holness by the way was Jamaica's youngest prime minister at the time of swearing in on October 23 this year. He has affirmed his commitment to a change in Jamaican politics.

Some of the candidates that I know personally are Dayton Campbell and Damion Crawford representing the PNP and Collin Virgo on the side of the JLP.  Now these are folks that I went to school with and live in the same communities.  It makes me very proud to see my colleagues representing Jamaica, and I think they will represent well. I wish them success in their respective campaigns.

I am excited about these elections but I am very concerned about the ugly side of our politics. We want to see a change in the mindset of Jamaicans where we feel a sense of freedom to make an independent choice.  Where friends and families with different opinions can make their own choice with no ill-feelings. JLP and PNP supporters should be able to party together, play sport together, go to church together, eat and drink together as Jamaicans.  Our political preference is only a small part of who we are and we should be focused on doing our part to build Jamaica.

I am imploring all the candidates to represent themselves with dignity and respect. We are all Jamaicans and that is the most important thing. Our common goal is to see Jamaica rise to the great levels we dream about. What Marcus Garvey and Sam Sharpe fought for, the freedom to live in peace in our beloved Island.

If independence mean anything to us we ought to be tolerant to difference and if we must agree to disagree let us do it without losing our dignity.  The great Martin Luther King Jr said it best:  "Let no man pull you low enough to hate him" and to top it off please do not forget:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” , Martin Luther King Jr

God Bless you and God Bless Jamaica:  Out of Many, One People