D.K. Duncan FORMER HEIR-APPARENT to the leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Senator Bruce Golding, returns to national radio this week. In the absence of any recently published post-election public opinion polls, it would be fair to assume that Golding continues to be the successor of choice to the leadership of the JLP. Opposition Leader Edward Seaga continues to be tight-lipped about any succession plan or strategy.
It could be argued that a successful Golding leadership project depends on tight lips. Other known contenders for leadership like Pearnel Charles, Audley Shaw and Ed Bartlett appear to be maintaining public propriety - apparently their contribution to organisational unity in that party. Pearnel, the former leader in the national polls in the JLP, will no doubt be a power broker or heart breaker in any leadership contest if one emerges. Audley, the outspoken chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and scandal breaker, maintains an unaccustomed silence. Ed, a former general-secretary - now Deputy Leader, is reported to be quietly laying the foundations at the Parish Council candidates level for a quiet coup - when the right time comes.
Former upfront leadership contender in recent times, Mike Henry, recently returned to his vocal self in the newsprint - but has made no public indication of another attempt to replace JLP leader Edward Seaga through the delegates on the conference floor. He made some telling comments in a recent interview published in Sunday's Herald. Returning to some of his old themes he has been the only JLP leader of stature who has attempted any public appraisal of the reasons for the party's seventh successive defeat over 16 years.
YOUNG BLOOD
Younger blood represented by the G2K and others have declared their intention to spread themselves organisationally clearly with an eye to having significant influence in any leadership succession activities. Senator David Panton, touted by some as a future leader, has returned to his quiet posture which he adopted after relieving himself of his position as candidate for Central Manchester. Other key leaders among this group of young professionals like former candidate aspirant Ronald Robinson, now chairperson of G2K, and whiz kid Ian McHayle have announced the leadership role of their organisation with confidence.
Sole female heavyweight, Babsy Grange, has sent no other signals except her intention to consolidate herself in Central St. Catherine. She too will be a serious power broker and a possible dark horse in any leadership decision. Chairman Ryan Peralto may opt to concentrate on his chosen legacy of helping to ensure the most sophisticated, free and fair electoral system possible. In this regard, he will be assured of recognition by impartial observers - albeit much later on in our political history.
SILENT SPOKESPERSONS
The JLP leader in the aftermath of the election defeat, announced possibly the largest group of Opposition spokespersons ever in our modern political history. If media reports are anything by which to judge their performance - up to this time, individually or as a group, they have made no impact. No creative voice has yet emerged on any issue. To be most generous and going against the tide of history, one can only assume that they have been surrounding themselves with experts on their various subjects. Is it likely that they have been meeting regularly like a real Shadow Cabinet? Time will tell. They have been given a chance to shine - let us see if there are any lights.
THE PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
The Parliamentary Opposition Group (MPs) have been overshadowed by the activities of the Vale Royal Summit meetings. While being the strongest opposition in numbers in recent times, they cannot yet be successfully accused of being qualitatively successful. I have seen much smaller groups in the last 30 years exercise more influence than that demonstrated so far by this Parliamentary opposition. There is time - but not much.
The overall picture that is being projected by the JLP is one of unity but one founded in silence. There is no orchestra. In a situation where the Jamaica Labour Party celebrates its 60th founding on July 8 of this year, the silence is deafening.
OPPORTUNITY
Bruce's return to the airwaves has the potential to break the silence. The 'promo' used by Hot 102 for his return uses his own words - "out of controversy comes development." He may wish to remind himself of this. He could begin by telling his listeners of the fate of the JLP/Golding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The handling of and the implementation of this pre-election pledge will not only affect the credibility of the JLP but could irreparably damage that of Bruce Golding.
There is a feeling among some of the leaders of the JLP that Golding's return did little or nothing for the party's fortunes in the recent general election. This may never be able to be successfully quantified. It is my already expressed opinion that prior to Bruce's return the JLP had lost and was continuing to lose momentum. There is no doubt that they regained some leading up to and including election day. The real reasons for this may never be agreed upon.
Momentum or no momentum, there must have been some reason why the Party Leader Edward Seaga and the majority of the candidates enthusiastically welcomed Golding when they did. Trust, credibility, integrity, transparency, accountability, unity and leadership are some of the intangibles that faced the electorate on October 16, 2002.
The JLP has been found wanting on many of these issues in the past. If they, in their 60th year, want to recover - the opportunity presents itself. As my 91-year-old aunt used to tell me - "Opportunity has hair in front - behind it is bald"!
Former PNP General Secretary and Government Minister in the PNP administration of the 1970s, Dr. Duncan, a dental surgeon recently established the D.K. Duncan Political Institute. E-mail: dktruth@hotmail.com
