Junior Rose, Contributor
People's National Party (PNP) presidential candidate Dr. Peter Phillips greets a party supporter at the party's East Central St. Andrew annual conference held at Tarrant High School in St. Andrew on August 21, 2005. - Norman Grindley/ Deputy Chief Photographer
THE HISTORY of political leadership in the People's National Party ( PNP) has been detailed by strong personalities with a clear vision for not only the party but also for the country and indeed the region. It is quite evident that party leaders Norman Manley, Michael Manley and P.J Patterson have exhibited the qualities necessary to address the exigencies of their era.
Over the years, this has translated into effective organisation, political victories, timely execution of policies, and successful negotiations at the regional and international levels among other lay bare of their political prowess. The ability of these political stalwarts to command the respect of their peers internationally has inherently defined Jamaica as a force to be reckoned with, rather than the proverbial erasable dot.
The strength of the People's National Party can be measured by its ability to groom quality leaders, its capacity for regeneration as well as the ability to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. This is quite important in ensuring that the party remains an outpost of leaders which is the hallmark of a strong political institution.
MORAL AUTHORITY
The presidential candidates in the PNP are, of a high quality and good stock. Therefore, the question is, what will separate the hopefuls from the successful? There are many considerations in identifying who will ultimately claim the presidency. One candidate took the prudent decision of withdrawing from the leadership race, and although this was of minimum impact on the other candidates. It indicates the acknowledgement that being the party president is more than an issue of personal ambition; it is about continuing a rich legacy that has been imbued by the forefathers of the party.
It is about the ability to unite and mobilise the party in the shortest possible time post- internal elections to a possible fifth term. The president should have the moral authority and ability to sell a clear vision to Jamaicans around which consensus can be built; and heighten the social consciousness and responsibility of our citizens. Consequently, presenting a model that seamlessly interweaves the ideology of 'back to basics' strengthening family life, communities, education, and the general morale of our citizen, and reducing the tolerance for deviant and anti-social behaviour.
ABLE TO SELL JAMAICA
This individual should be able to attract that type of sustained investment which leads to an increase in employment and to a greater extent employability of our citizens and not one which leads to jobless growth. The mandate of such an individual should include, as high priority, effective policies to cushion the blow of regional integration and liberalisation, especially on those who are otherwise impoverished. Thus, intensifying the preparation for CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), it is also important to choose a president who can articulate Jamaica's position in the world arena with diplomacy but also with much authority.
The political reality in this presidential election is such that there has been a drastic increase in the number of delegates from over 1,600 to over 4000. This will certainly play a major role in deciding who becomes the next president of the party. It also deepens the democracy of the party. The important question is where is the proliferation of these groups concentrated? This will have some bearing on the support for the respective candidate. In other words, if most of the new votes are concentrated in areas where Peter Phillips has a strong hold it will help his bid to be the next president.
PETER IS THE MAN
The candidate to date that has secured the support of most Members of Parliament and Councillors is Dr. Peter Phillips. In fact, the numbers speak with much resonance, excluding the Party President; of the 33 Members of Parliament for the People's National Party only three have declared support for Portia Simpson-Miller, five for Omar Davis and one for Karl Blythe. Peter Phillips has been able to secure the support of more than 14 Members of Parliament. The six undeclared MP's could flow with the winning tide! This speaks volume in terms of respect for Phillips. In effect, it suggests that he will be able to unite the party and invariably the Cabinet, in a way that the others will not be able to. The substantive point for this election is that most Members of Parliament have the support from their constituents; hence they will be critical power brokers in this race. They will be able to translate to their constituents the meaning of a win for their candidates.
The candidate that is able to garner the support from the party hierarchy will indeed have a comparative advantage in the presidential bid. Based on the response from the delegates at the private sessions of the last PNP conference, Peter Phillips seems to be the clear favourite among the delegates 'on the ground'. Although it is early days yet, this speaks volumes for the Phillips' Campaign.
The campaign trails for most candidates are paved with uncertainties because some of the delegates who attend Omar Davies' and Portia Simpson-Miller's meetings also attend Peter Phillips' meetings, as observed in Portland and other parts of the country. It therefore means that it is really not over until the fat lady sings. Therefore, the candidate whose campaign has the strategy of attracting the party hierarchy and the delegates 'on the ground' will be the one to wear the proverbial crown.
