THE EDITOR, SIR:
WE ARE certainly living in interesting times. Election is in the air, in a couple of weeks we go to the polls. The greatest drama of all however, has enfolded - Mr. Bruce Golding has returned to the Jamaica Labour Party.
The question to be asked, is this a negative or positive move? Let's deal with the negative first. Mr. Golding, who it was thought was heir-apparent to Mr. Seaga, turned his back on the JLP because of the tribal politics and the need for fundamental change of our political system. He did not think the JLP was capable of changing. Hence he formed a party and proclaimed, "We are new and different."
It was a breath of fresh air and a number of persons gravitated to the new movement because with a Bruce Golding at the helm there was hope for a third party. History, however, has proven that the Jamaican people are not ready for a third party and although in my mind the Movement had a strong message, they were unable to positively articulate it to the wider populace.
Mr. Golding, I think, found himself between a rock and a hard place. He is intelligent, politically bright and if given the opportunity, I think he can truly make a difference. Therefore to go back to a system that he turned his back on must have been a hard choice, but let's face it, so far none of our present leaders seems to have the answer to Jamaica's problems. We need new blood, young and bright minds with new ideas, forward thinkers.
We are all crying out for change and a Bruce Golding who it would seem has a lot to offer serves no purpose sitting on the fence looking in. He needs an avenue where he will be given the opportunity to articulate the change he believes in.
In the eyes of the public he has sacrificed his credibility to return to the same system which, has made no fundamental change. However, we need to look at the whole scenario logically. The big question is, will he be able to make that fundamental change within the Jamaica Labour Party?
The problem I have however is the manner in which he handled the situation as it relates to the NDM. He being the founding father of the movement, they see it as a betrayal but time heals all wounds. Mr. Golding, all eyes are on you and while I sympathise with you now, you will not be forgiven next time around if you do not deliver.
I am etc.,
V.L.CRAWFORD
vcluin@hotmail.com
Barbican, Kingston 6
