Garwin Davis, Assistant News Editor
IN THE annals of local politics, it hardly, if ever, gets better than this. For political watchers and the public at large, next Sunday's match-up for the position of chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) between two of Jamaica's most colourful and astute politicians, could be worth going miles to see.
True, we have had Michael Manley-Vivian Blake; and the Portia Simpson Miller versus P.J. Patterson battles within the People's National Party (PNP). We have even seen the Pearnel Charles-Seaga; and the Mike Henry-Seaga match-ups in the JLP.
The battle that is now looming between the two JLP heavyweights who are in the words of one pundit, "on top of their game" seems, however, to be a little different. For starters, the public could well be seeing, if not a future leader of the country, then at worst, the heir apparent to Opposition Leader Edward Seaga. It could also be seeing, if Golding were to win, the beginning of the end of the pro-Seaga faction within the JLP and the continuation of a 'new thrust' which has been emerging in the party in recent times. Shaw, whether real or imagined, is considered a Seaga loyalist. But let us go to the tale of the tape.
In 1993 when the PNP won 52 of the 60 constituencies island wide, including three in Man-chester, the JLP regained control of Manchester north eastern thanks to Audley Shaw. Since then, the flamboyant Opposition Spokesman on Finance, a thorn in the side of the governing People's National Party for his uncanny ability to expose corruption and wrongdoings within the public sector, has never look back. And what does he bring to the table?
"My main mission is to unify the party and put us on track to remove the PNP from office in the shortest possible time," Mr. Shaw said. "I am well equipped to carry out this mission ... to spearhead this drive ... and this is what I will be taking to the delegates. I have served the party as deputy leader, as general secretary and as a shadow minister. I am proud of my track record in the JLP ...of my consistent work ...my commitment, dedication and loyalty. I have never been afraid to go after the Government ...even against all odds. I have never been afraid to expose corruption, incompetence and mismanagement. I have done so in the most strident and fearless fashion."
FACE-OFF
And the face-off with Gold-ing? "I will say this," Mr. Shaw continued. "I have a strong track record ...of faithfulness to the principles and ideals of the party. I am proud to offer myself as chairman in order to promote principled leadership that is based on fairness, transparency and absolute incorruptibility."
Golding, 55, was chairman of the JLP and considered Seaga's heir apparent when he left the party in 1995, complaining that it was unwilling to engage his ideas for a new form of politics that was less divisive, more inclusive, more transparent and more accountable.
His departure then was a major psychological blow for the JLP, especially so, since it coincided with the exodus of a number of other senior high profile JLP politicians, many from the western end of the island. Their departure was based on what they said was Seaga's inability to win elections. When Gold-ing formed the National Democratic Movement (NDM) many followed, championing the cause of constitutional reform, including the separation of powers in a form of government similar to what exists in the United States.
Golding, with the JLP trailing badly in the national polls, made an 11th hour re-entry to the party last year with the hope of giving it an electoral boost. And although the JLP lost out in its bid to unseat the PNP from Government, Golding has been credited with making it one of the closest general elections seen in decades.
When pressed on why he felt this was the opportune time for him to seek office within the JLP, Mr. Golding said: "First of all, you must remember that I was chairman of the party for nearly 10 years which means I am coming with a lot of experience. The sort of change and renewal I have been speaking about over the last decade is something I want to fast forward. The JLP has an opportunity to reach out to the uncommitted ...those who have been turned off from the process. We can be the party of change."
CONFRONTATIONAL
Golding continued: "Change doesn't have to be confrontational. Far from that. It simply means taking time out to see where you are at as an organisation and where you need to go. Mr. Seaga himself ...along with Ken Jones, Hugh Shearer and Donald Sangster have all been a part of changes within the JLP. What use is an organisation, an institution if it cannot evolve with the times ...cannot be engaged in renewal?"
And on the controversial subject of campaign finance reform, something he had been advocating for years, Mr. Golding said that it was his belief that it was inevitable. "We are getting there ...slowly yes ...but we are getting there. If we look across the globe that's where a lot of democracies are heading - we see it in the United States, Great Britain is starting to look at it and it has recently been up for discussion in Canada. We must have regulations where political funding is concerned. It is not a JLP problem. It is something we must look at as a nation."
Henry
More trouble brews
Henry urges discussion on Shaw's candidacy
AS A member of Area Council 3, I have requested the chairman to call an urgent meeting of the executive of the Area Council.
The Executive Council should constitute the sitting MPs, the caretaker MPs and the chairman. As the last nationally elected deputy leader who for reasons of unity did not challenge Mr. Shaw's deputy leadership, I am most surprised that Mr. Shaw, who accepted the confidence of the delegates of Area Council, has seen it fit to choose a second post in the party without even consulting or discussing it with the Area Council Executive.
Certainly for my personal position, he hasn't advised me that he was seeking such a post. I am hoping that the chairman, Mr. Lloyd Francis, will react to my request and call this emergency meeting for Saturday (today) for us to discuss this matter. I also will be seeking to consult with the Constitution of the party to guide me on the matter before saying anything else. I find it most surprising that Mr. Shaw never advised me of his intentions.
