By John Myers, Jnr. Staff ReporterTHE PAUL Burke-led Campaign for Transformation lashed out Sunday against Prime Minister P.J. Patterson's leadership, noting that the People's National Party president has failed to stamp his authority in the party, but nonetheless labelled him a fair and democratic leader.
At the official launch of the PNP lobby group held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, New Kingston, on Sunday, Mr. Burke also criticised other factions within the party which, he said, were not faithful to the people of Jamaica, and charged that they were afraid of sharing power.
The Campaign for Transfor-mation, which is hoping to transform the PNP and resuscitate support for the party, pledged to ensure greater participation of community and women's groups in the decision-making process.
POWER-HUNGRY LEADERSHIP
"The truth is that our party, the People's National Party, has not been faithful," said Mr. Burke. "We have not given power to the people and that is the single most (important) factor contributing to so many of our country's problems today."
Many of those in leadership roles within the party are frightened by the thought of sharing power at the constituency and local levels, he said.
"The people have so much energy, creativity and solutions for their own problems; they are prepared to be self-reliant in so many ways. They just need the legislative framework and authority, and our guidance and support," added Mr. Burke.
Mr. Burke said the PNP has not been true to the socialist label it has flirted with on many occasions.
"Socialism today in the People's National Party is a three card trick," he said. "You will look for it, but you will not uncover it, you can't find it."
Socialism is not "marketable, practical, desirable, or even possible in my view in our Jamaican reality," he said, advising that the party members "stop pretending about being socialist."
MESSAGE OF CHANGE
He restated his group's commitment to advocate and lead the change for a separation of powers and the separation of responsibilities of Members of Parliament and Cabinet ministers.
Addressing the large gathering which filled the hotel ballroom, Mr. Burke also hit out against those in the party who, he claimed, were bogus members and groups attempting to buy the presidency of the party.
While making it clear that he intends to compete for the presidency of the PNP, Mr. Burke said he would not resort to corrupt means to achieve his aim.
"But the Campaign for Transformation must be a loud and strong voice against bogus groups and the attempt to buy the presidency," he said. "We cannot build a people's party with bogus members, and without the people's input and participation, you cannot serve the national interest."
According to Mr. Burke, more than 800 new members have registered in the last two months, and in the last four days of January before the cut-off period for delegate eligibility, more than 400 groups were registered.
