THE EDITOR, Sir:THE JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) may be thumping their chests at their victory in the Local Government elections, but in much the same way the recent victory of the People's National Party (PNP) in the October 16 General Election was attributed to the failure of the JLP, this JLP victory can equally be attributed to the failure of the PNP.
From my own perspective, there were several persons to whom I have spoken who supported the PNP in the General Election but opted not to vote. The main reason seems to be a combination of two factors: a general disaffection with the PNP administration and a lack of interest or confidence in the Local Government system.
It seems that the perceived arrogance of the PNP administration is finally hurting them. The campaigning for this election was very low-keyed for the PNP as opposed to the JLP and it seems they have paid dearly for their actions. This time, the negative PNP effect was greater than the negative Seaga effect.
In addition, the present Local Government system does not inspire confidence. The roads are in a poor state, drains are uncleaned, causing flooding in heavy rains, street lighting leaves a lot to be desired and garbage collection is sporadic at best. All this was happening while the PNP was in control of all 13 Parish Councils and Central Government.
I do hope that these results show the PNP that in much the same way that the Jamaican voters have placed them in power they can also remove them so they need to start listening.
I am, etc.,
RICARDO SMALLING
rhamim@go-jamaica.com
Kingston
Via Go-Jamaica
