THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WOULD like to congratulate both political parties on their successes in the recently concluded general election.
However, though I might be deemed bias, there comes an irresistible moment, when we'll have to give credit whenever and wherever it is due. Although the JLP lost the elections - they must be given full credit - their "Make- the-change" slogan was certainly effective in conceptualising the mindset of the Jamaican masses, especially those that are ignorant to complex reformational issues of the Constitution.
Mark you, from a JLP perspective, losing the election was very disappointing, but in my opinion they were successful in many ways. Many political analysts saw as the ace card, the return of the political prodigy, Bruce Golding to the Jamaica Labour Party. However, I tend to disagree because Mr. Seaga's issues-oriented campaign was much larger than the re-induction of Mr. Golding.
Edward Seaga presented to the people a vision of hope, as precisely and methodically stated in their manifesto. When one read their manifesto on every issue highlighted, clear steps were given.
Jamaicans are sick and tired of the political back-biting, back-stabbing, and player-hating, which party did this from which party did that or whatever names others may find suitable. The opposition leader's issue-oriented campaign, backed by his comrade's individual brilliance, saw the party doubling the amount of seats they previously held in Parliament. That's some achievement, especially when one looks at how long the plot of demonising Mr. Seaga has undoubtedly worked with great success.
Another achievement for the JLP came about in the Prime Minister's post-election press conference. At the press conference he re-extended his invitation to meet with Mr. Seaga once a month, and working with the opposition and interesting groups of civil society. He essentially stressed that no one party, group or person can move Jamaica forward. But wasn't it the JLP who initiated the move of having the party in opposition more involved if elected to power? What if the JLP had sat back on their laurels and did not compete so strongly?
If the PNP had won by a landslide as in 1993 and 1997 do you think the Prime Minister would invite the Opposition as he did recently? Therefore, P.J. Patterson in chess terminology was checkmated by the Seaga-led JLP's issues-oriented campaign. That's some of the JLP achievements in Jamaica's first election in this millennium.
I urge Jamaicans to encourage every Opposition Member of Parliament to fight perpetually for total democracy, so that we all can have a sense of assurance of living in a just society.
I am, etc.,
ANDREW HANCEL
andrewhancel@hotmail.com
Via Go-Jamaica
