ANOTHER CONTROVERSY has erupted over suggestions that Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller is trying to duck out of a Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ)-organised debate among contenders for the leadership of the People's National Party (PNP) and ultimately prime minister.
Mrs. Simpson Miller's publicists claim this is not so, that in fact when they attempted to comply with the previously-suggested arrangements, explanations to do with a lack of sponsorship of the proposed televised debates forced a postponement from the named date. Subsequent alternative suggestions have proven difficult for her.
We need not have another hurricane in a room. While we appreciate that Mrs. Simpson Miller may well have pressing engagements as her handlers suggest; we propose that she try as much as possible to participate and get it over with. It is not that we believe the debate will change the general perception the public has of each candidate. Political debates are not unlike beauty pageants: the participants will say their well-rehearsed lines while trying to look appropriately photogenic for the television camera or still photographers, smile, and demonstrate a deep sense of compassion for the downtrodden.
The participants in the pageant or political debate will have their particular cheering section who will interpret each gesture, intonation and statement within a paradigm favourable to their choice. At the end of the event there is usually a confirmation of the prior-held views.
So why all this kerfuffle? All of the contenders for the PNP presidency have been in the Government - some for longer periods - over the past 15 years. They have all had more than ample opportunity to present their views on national issues and articulate a vision. It is hardly likely that within the next few weeks they will be seized of new-found wisdom; in which event, a political debate will, at best, demonstrate who has the better gift of the gab.
The Jamaican public has had a good opportunity over the years to assess the integrity and commitment of the candidates. One evening of parrying questions in front of television cameras will hardly change that. But segments of the public may still want to know how the new leader thinks he or she can make Jamaica a better place to live and prosper. In that regard we urge all the contenders to face the cameras and get back to dealing with the serious issues facing the country.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
