Wrong move Mr Seaga
published: Sunday | February 23, 2003
THE EDITOR ,Sir:
MR SEAGA'S latest comments that he "will bring down the Government", is as disturbing as Dr Davies' recent remarks, where he made no apologies for Government's irrational spending prior to and during election! We live in a democracy, and constructive criticism should be encouraged. However, the Jamaican electorate has shown in recent times that they are really tired of confrontational politics!
This latest move by Mr. Seaga, will gain no support, and will only serve to tarnish his already "rusty" image, despite any anti-Government sentiments which may exist. Let's not forget that only a few months ago Mr. Seaga and his JLP party were rejected at the polls, the third consecutive defeat! They just don't seem to get it! I suppose Mr. Seaga will now say (like Dr. Davies), that his comments were taken out of context.
The JLP needs to reorganise its party and leadership urgently, and offer a viable alternative instead of inciting unnecessary discontent or disunity amongst Jamaicans. While their criticism against Dr. Davies comments were quite in order, and their calls for his resignation 100 per cent appropriate, it is not the Opposition's role to "bring down" any government, elected by the people.
Their latest tactics, however intended, will only serve to ensure that the present Government remains in office despite their many shortfalls and areas of incompetence. The Government has to be made fully accountable and responsible, they are elected and paid public officials put there to manage the country's affairs on behalf of the people. The Opposition and other civic groups also have a public role to protect the interest of the people, and ensure that the Government is made accountable. It is not their role to incite threats "to bring down the Government" or stimulate fear or trouble. This is mischievous and confrontational, and show a lack of maturity in Jamaican politics.
