Heather Robinson THREE RECENT events in the last week have brought into sharper focus the choice that will be made for a new president of the People's National Party. The first was the National Executive Council meeting on Sunday when Party President and Prime Minister P. J. Patterson presented the guidelines that will govern the election of his successor in a document entitled 'Preparing For The Transition'.
The second event that caught my eye was former President Bill Clinton's presentation to the Democratic Convention on Monday night. The debate on the first of three bills related to the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice in the form of a constitutional amendment, which took place on Tuesday in Parliament was the third event. The Prime Minister was the first of two speakers for the Government.
I mention those three activities for several reasons. It was interesting on Sunday to watch the responses of the contenders for leadership of the PNP during Mr. Patterson's presentation. I speculated on what was going through the mind of the contenders, and of course who would be able to do as good a job when their time comes however many years from now.
President Clinton's presentation demonstrated quite clearly that even though he is a former President of the USA, he is as eloquent, articulate, bright and handsome as he was during his presidency. Some might argue moreso now.
Mr. Patterson's presentation on Tuesday had the mind wondering again. Who among all the aspirants would be able to make a similar presentation and with what level of assistance from the lawyers employed in the Attorney-General's office or the Ministry of Justice? How many would simply read what was given to them without any great level of appreciation for the core issues? The time must clearly be right to ask of these aspirants some very basic questions.
PROUD
The PNP has had three Presidents of whom its members have always been proud. Norman Manley, the founding President was and remains by far one of Jamaica's most articulate leaders. Even now whenever one hears his voice on radio or television, one is immediately elevated to another level. And his son Michael followed in his footsteps and I can hear him quite clearly now as he announced free education to the shock of all his colleagues in the Budget Debate of 1973.
Mr Patterson's presentation after the emergency CARICOM heads of government meeting on the Haitian crisis earlier this year, without the prepared communiqué was simply awesome. Leaders must be able to summarise decisions and when they do so all members of the party, Jamaican citizens and CARICOM members must be able to hold their heads high.
Hear now are some questions that need to be answered by the aspirants for the presidency of the PNP and ultimately Jamaica's seventh Prime Minister against the background of the tradition of the PNP? Will you be able to speak intelligently on any issue whether here in Parliament, or outside; or overseas when suddenly you are asked to be the main speaker at a Norman Manley memorial lecture because the intended speaker has suddenly become ill?
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Will you demonstrate respect for others and not let them become the subject of your own personal ridicule, especially those who are less qualified than you are? Will you be "callable", and return calls made to you? Are you able to demonstrate independent thought capacity and be self reliant when there is no one there to advise and prepare? Will you read as much as is available to ensure that you are well informed on all matters that are of import to the party and Jamaica? Will you be able to face Bruce Golding in a public debate, nationally broadcast and answer questions and discuss issues on the economy, inflation and the impact of globalisation on Jamaica? And of course be able to discuss foreign affairs matters as well?
Mr. Patterson said on Sunday, "You don't win by showing how bad your rival is, but how good you are". So remembering that the PNP's symbol is the head, I trust that in this age when some of us become vulnerable to pain in the joints, we will not have to hide under any table the morning after, but rather be able to hold our head aloft.
Heather Robinson is a life underwriter who is a former Member of Parliament.
