Delroy Chuck WITH AN imminent general election around the corner, and likely to be announced this coming Sunday, the people of Jamaica have some critical choices before them. The main choice is between the two major parties and the candidates in the different constituencies but, more importantly, it is a fundamental choice to determine whether we remain in despair or travel on the path of hope. How will a fourth term for the PNP significantly change our country from a path of perennial poverty alleviation to a prosperous country, in which poverty is no longer a critical issue? Does the JLP, or any party, have the policies and programmes to create prosperity and improve the quality of life for the Jamaican people?
The major political parties have now presented their manifestos, which are basically statements of intent, hopes and promises - if they are elected or returned to office. They represent the vision of the parties for nation building and the blueprint for their leadership and management of the country. Admittedly, everything cannot be achieved overnight and some projections, in the light of changing circumstances, may be changed. Still, the manifesto represents some of the issues that should guide the voters in making their choices. At the same time, experience and past performances are the best guide to assess if promises will be kept and objectives reached.
The PNP is extremely good at public relations, winning elections and highlighting promises for future action. However, when it comes to governing and making good of its promises, it has been a dismal failure. In truth, it talks a good talk, but cannot walk the walk. The facts speak for themselves. Simply consider the many promises of economic growth, the very foundation on which we can ever hope to build a prosperous society. In the 13 plus years of the present three-term PNP government, since 1989 to now, the economy has not grown a cumulative total of 6% - yet, the record will show that every year it promises 2-4% growth. In 1996, in anticipation of the 1997 general elections, and with much fanfare and passion, the present Prime Minister launched the highly touted National Industrial Plan that promised 6% annual growth for ten years. In the succeeding six years, we have actually stagnated economically instead of growing. How then can the country believe and have faith in the present promises of economic growth? Throughout the 1980s, except for two years, the economy grew annually and the quality of life improved. Indeed, the economy was growing so well at end of the decade that the then Prime Minister Edward Seaga cautioned the country repeatedly that growth had to be controlled otherwise the economy would overheat. Not surprisingly, Michael Manley and Dr. Paul Robertson spoke glowingly of the economic path and argued that they would not trouble the economic programme; they would only fine-tune the economy if the PNP were returned to office.
Well, history will record that the economy suffered within two years of the PNP government, has not recovered and does not seem likely to recover under the present regime. Those facts should be known, as the excuse given by many for the present shocking state of the economy now is that, in 1989, the PNP inherited a battered economy - it is just not true.
When one examines the social programme, the impression may well be given that the PNP has achieved more and done more in planning and implementation for the Jamaican people. Yet, when the facts are examined the reverse seems true. It is a fact that the JLP government of the 1980s concentrated primarily on the economy, which was necessary after the failed socialist experiment of the 1970s devastated the economic life of the country.
In 1988, Edward Seaga unveiled a blueprint for social improvement - The Social Well-Being Programme - which the electorate did not allow him to implement. The PNP took it on without acknowledging and giving credit for the plans and projections they implemented from that document. Who actually knows that the Reform of Secondary Education (ROSE) and the National Assessment Programme (NAP) come directly from that document? Has anyone given credit to the government of the 1980s for mapping out the plans for the renovation and building of hospitals such as those built in May Pen and Mandeville? Without the Social Well-Being Programme, one wonders what the present government would have done in the areas of education, health and social welfare?
However, we move on and ask what is in store for the future? Which party provides the vision of hope for a better nation? Anyone who takes time out to read the JLP manifesto must come away impressed. Not only are the programmes and projections well set out, but also the financing and time frame for implementation are detailed. No one needs to take my word as gospel, as one can easily find the manifesto on the website or get a copy for critical assessment. It consists of ten pledges to the Jamaican people and, like the Social Well-Being Programme, represents a blueprint for rescuing and building the country. Every area of government is dealt with. In particular, special emphasis is placed on the procuring and protection of the rights and freedoms of the Jamaican people. After ten years and more of injustice, human rights abuses and lack of human dignity, the people want a change of policies that will ensure that every Jamaican citizen is treated fairly and equally, and recognised and treated as a first class citizen in his own country.
I have not had the benefit of reading the PNP manifesto, which at the time of writing was not available. Yet, in making the critical choices before them, the Jamaican people must be persuaded that it cannot be business as usual. What new programmes are in place to curb and deter the escalating criminality? What new initiatives will be undertaken to secure justice and respect for every Jamaican citizen? Will the economy really grow in the fourth term or is it just an election promise to secure the fourth term? Citizens must understand that they have a duty to examine carefully the parties' promises, policies and programmes and not be swayed by the catchy tunes and emotional catch phrases that persuade the misguided, susceptible and gullible. In particular, are we likely to continue on the same path, with the same policies and the same minds that got us into the present sorry social and economic mess?
Lest we forget, the country teeters on the brink of an economic calamity, even while our decaying social condition drifts further into tatters. We have survived simply through loans, remittances and bilateral grants, but we cannot continue to live off the surplus of others. Does the PNP manifesto provide the solution to put the country to work and grow out of its indebtedness and, thus, provide an improved quality of life for our people?
I remain convinced that an improved economy is the main and critical issue to inspire hope and decide our future. Our economy needs to be rescued and jump-started, credible plans unveiled to attract investment and production, and convincing initiatives outlined to create the jobs and opportunities to absorb the effort and energies of our people. A sound economic programme represents the blueprint for progress, builds social capital, enhances human dignity and goes a far way to control the escalating criminality. The electorate therefore has to make the critical choice of choosing the party with the best programme and plans to instil hope, to grow the economy and put our people to work - it is the only way to a brighter future.
Delroy Chuck is an attorney-at-law and Opposition Member of Parliament. He can be contacted by e-mail at delchuck@hotmail.com.
