THE EDITOR, SIR:
There can be no doubt that we are at a decisive crossroads in the political history of Jamaica. The two major political parties, the PNP and the JLP, have locked horns in what is turning out to be one of the most seriously contested elections in the history of modern Jamaica. Both Mr. Seaga and Mr. Patterson realise that this is the last chance they both have to make an impressive show for the history books.
The pressure on Mr. Seaga is greater, having been in the political wilderness for close to two decades. His statement that he is a man "in a hurry" was not intended for humour, but was a clear demonstration of the level of anxiety he now feels at the prospect that the melon is taking a longer time to ripe and may indeed slip from his fingers.
I am still of the feeling that the PNP should be sent on a long vacation. After 13 years at the helm of power, they are showing every sign of "governance fatigue" notwithstanding the fervour that they are now demonstrating which is really a function of the psychology of election campaigns. But the more I analyse what is taking place on the ground politically, and the more I notice the political skill of Patterson, the more convinced I have become that the party will indeed romp home for the fourth term.
The Opposition has misunderstood or is being disingenuous in not acknowledging the importance of the wireless revolution that has taken place in the country. Although this is something that any Government would do, to the ordinary person in a deep rural village who five years or more never thought he would ever have a telephone, having a cellular phone is a monumental achievement. As far as he is concerned this is a "solid achievement" under the PNP. Of equal importance is the motor vehicle policy that has allowed greater mobility for thousands.
The gadgets of convenience that the middle and upper-middle classes take for granted are not so regarded by the ordinary rural folk. It is among these people that the greatest support for the PNP will come. Patterson knows this and this is why he dispatched Maxine Henry-Wilson and Paul Robertson to get back into the field and reconnect with this large voting bloc. They have begun to see the benefits of this re-connectivity.
I am, etc.,
Rev. RALSTON B. NEMBHARD
E-mail: stead6655@aol.com
Via Go-Jamaica
