THE EDITOR, Sir:
MR. BUDDAN'S article in "In Focus" of September 29, 2002 edition of the Sunday Gleaner was read with interest. I readily concede that Bruce Golding may have made some "..mistakes in politics" (which politician has not?).
For example I believe that Mr. Golding made a "mistake" in the manner of answering Mr. Cliff Hughes' question as to whether he is returning to the JLP. The answer of "no" which Mr. Golding gave then may have been strictly true. But being the good politician that I think he is, he should have put in his usual caveat (which I have heard many times on his erstwhile Talk Show and elsewhere), that his principles and ideas are well known and that any rapprochement, if it were to happen, would have to accommodate these.
But I think that Mr. Buddan is being less than fair when he enumerates one of these "mistakes" as "..(his) being late in coming up with his own ideas for reform and renewal of the JLP."
The enunciation by Bruce Golding of the need for many of these changes necessary for "...reform and renewal..." of both the JLP and the country's whole political process and system, preceded his departure from the JLP seven full years ago! For example, the Motion for the Chairmanship (by an Opposition Member) of individual Oversight Committees, tabled by Mr. Seaga in 1995 (but never debated), in fact was initiated by Mr. Golding (as stated by him on public radio). It does not appear in the JLP Manifesto 2002 but is now included in the MOU.
If politics is "..the art of the possible" then I suggest that Mr. Golding's perspicacity and "..clarity of thought" in understanding that the NDM is not (and probably never will be?) capable of bringing into fruition his ideas for a new political order in Jamaica, will justify his decision to return to the JLP on terms which he clearly believes are protective of his integrity and credibility. Time will prove him right or wrong. We all may not be happy with the 'protocol' of his return, but we must be careful not to sacrifice substance for form or contents for packaging.
Mr. Buddan made the point, with some justification, that many of these ideas have already been taken up (or proposed to be taken up?) by the PNP. For example, the PNP proposes to limit (good!!) the amount of the National Debt. But Golding wants to go even further and 'cap' the Debt and Constitutionalise the limitations. The JLP too, has also taken up/modified some of these desirable points (e.g. proposals on the National Debt) and incorporated them in their Manifesto 2002. And the country has to thank Bruce Golding and the NDM for much of this. Mr. Buddan seems to have missed the significance of his own point.
I suggest that Mr. Buddhan should read the editorial, "Golding and political reform" in the same Sunday Gleaner of September 29, 2002. I think that that editorial has got it right.
I am etc.,
LAURIE VENTOUR
lawven@cwjamaica.com
