THE EDITOR, Sir:
WHAT IS wrong with the JLP? That is the question I find myself compelled to ask, but I already know the answer. The truth is that the Jamaica Labour Party is not ready to be an Opposition party and is clearly not ready to form a government.
I watch with dismay as one internal wrangling after another and the constant bloodletting continue to destroy what is potentially the best political machinery in terms of intellect. How then do you explain how a group of supposedly superb intellectuals falter so miserably when it comes to making simple, common sense decisions?
As a member of G2K and the JLP, as well as the 1994 recipient of the Sir Alexander Bustamante Scholarship, I must say I am completely ashamed. I used to criticise the Jamaican people each time the PNP claimed another victory at the polls but I must say that I have been completely blinded by party affiliation which explains my single vision.
This is not to say that I am convinced that the PNP is even worthy to form the Government, certainly not with the level of mismanagement of the Jamaican economy and not with the disdain with which it has treated the Jamaican people. But given the internal insurgent activities within the JLP, Jamaica is effectively a single-party state. I long for a better Jamaica. I long for a JLP equipped, stable and ready to take on the mantle of government. When this will be is anybody's guess.
Mr. Bruce Golding, a man of immense talent, is once again falling victim to the present wind. I have often said that he doesn't seem to have a mind of his own and I still say this with the utmost respect. This is not about reformist wing versus old guards or even respect for Mr. Seaga. It is about common decency and common sense. We fail to realise that every time there is a JLP fight each delegate, party worker and JLP is putting an X beside the head. When are we going to realise that the JLP is the JLP's worst enemy and the PNP's best friend?
These 'reformists' who have withdrawn their support from Mr. Seaga will one day, if they succeed, want the same loyalty that will keep the party together. If this is the precedent then what is the hope for the future? Are we so power hungry?
I really want this party to succeed and if my analysis is simplistic because I lack all the pieces in the puzzle I apologise, but it does not require too much effort to see that something is fundamentally wrong with the party. I appeal to the memory of Bustamante; by golly, I appeal to Bustamante's spirit, please save our party, please, someone, anyone!
I am, etc.,
HAROLD MALCOLM
Mona, St. Andrew
E-mail: bruce_26@hotmail.com
