THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE VICTORY of the JLP in the NE St. Ann by-election is a commentary on the growing disenchantment between the people and the ruling PNP. One of the dangers of prolonged governance is the tendency towards arrogance. There is a growing feeling in the country that there is a fundamental disconnection between the governed and their governors. Even the losing PNP candidate alluded to this in her analysis of the reasons for her loss.
The people are sensing that the PNP has become tired as a government and that they need rest. There are hardly any fresh ideas emerging in the intractable fight against crime and in bringing the country on the path to economic growth. This is why they are warming up to the JLP which they see as the best alternative at this time. But this is no time for the JLP to gloat and become complacent. They have a hard road to hoe ahead of them. If they believe that the PNP is going to take this loss sitting down or moping in a corner they really do not know the PNP.
Already they are making the mistake that they can force Mr. Patterson's hand in calling an early election. This is a grave mistake inviting trench warfare. Any doubt of an early election should have been settled by the PNP loss in NE St. Ann. They will now go down to the wire because they need time to recover from the loss and to crank up the dozing and legendary PNP machinery in readiness for the polls. They need time and this is scarce commodity for the PNP.
One thing we can be sure of as a country: the campaign has begun. Expect State largesse to start rolling in the effort to buy votes. There will be no more compelling motive driving the PNP from here on than that of winning the next elections. Will the JLP and NDM be truly up to the task?
I am etc.,
RALSTON NEMBHARD
E-mail: ralbruce@msn.com
Via Go-Jamaica
