Junior Rose, ContributorAS THE political squabble in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) dissipates, the trumpet has been sounding for a new leader in the People's National Party (PNP). At the party conference, Prime Minister P. J Patterson indicated his departure subsequent to the completion of his agenda. Given the plethora of projects to be completed, delegates and observers alike, wondered if the speculated departure will be announced before the September conference. Since the general election is constitutionally due in 2007 and local government being due in 2006, it would have been prudent for the PNP to elect a new leader by December 2005.
This would give the new leader time to prepare for these elections. Mr. Patterson has made it clear that he will not step down until these projects are completed, therefore, we can assume that although a new party leader will be elected, Mr. Patterson will remain in the capacity of Prime Minister.
However, presidential hopefuls have been advancing their own agenda. This became more evident when the proverbial 'dark horse' Paul Burke announced his candidacy for vice-president of the People's National Party. This raised many eyebrows and aspersions were cast about the poor timing of his announcement. However, his timing was more strategic than poor. Prior to the January conference, the general understanding was that Dr. Peter Phillips, Portia Simpson Miller, Dr. Karl Blythe and Dr. Paul Roberson would retain their vice-presidency positions. The irony is, one of these candidates could lose their position as vice-president. If the closed door negotiation is in favour of Paul Burke and those delegates who support Mrs. Simpson-Miller (given that Burke has declared support for Simpson-Miller) and Blythe support him, he might be the fourth vice-president.
THE REALITY
However, the reality is that Burke has much to gain and little to lose. If Dr. Robertson should lose his position, this would threaten the Phillips' campaign for presidency. Since Burke's delegates would vote for Simpson Miller and unless Blythe steps down and support Phillips, which seems virtually impossible, there might be a glitch in the Phillips' matrix.
Conversely, the deferral of the Phillip Paulwell resolution that individuals vote for party president rather than the existing group-delegate structure, is a win for Phillips and a loss for Simpson Miller. There is the popular belief that Simpson Miller has the support of the populace, however, it is speculated that the delegate
support will elevate Phillips to party president.
Where is Dr. Davies in all of this? He seems to have some corporate support. The problem is, all candidates have the financial support and delegate votes are really what count. Hence, he needs to be more in touch with those who can elevate him to the high office. Davies' strength might well become his downfall, which is a steadfast and determined approach to achieve his goal irrespective of who might be side-stepped in the process. The approach of 'the end justifies the means' is not necessarily the most prudent approach to this kind of politics.
The overrated move of Burke at the party conference is not the first, and unless there are constitutional changes it will not be the last. When the proverbial 'smoke clears', and the four vice-presidents retain their positions, the party will have to deal with winning a fifth election. For this to happen, the party must repackage itself as the strategic choice for the continued development of Jamaica, with a carefully calculated development plan. This should include: refocusing on the empowerment of youth and the poor (which includes preparing these groups for changes in the global sphere); strategic export creation and import substitution, especially given the strengthening of ties with China.
The stage has been set for 'Jamaica to arise' out of the socio-economic doldrums of the past. There is a new world order, which requires a new paradigm, and it is imperative that the new party leader rise to the occasion.
Junior Rose is youth representative of the National Advisory Council on Local Government Reform.
