Heather Robinson

November is here and already we are being remin-ded that Christmas is now only seven weeks away. This reminder comes to us through the heard word. We hear Christmas carols, and yes, there are the advertisements for products to be used during Christmas. Some of us get very nervous when we hear the first Christmas carol being played on radio, as we begin to worry about all the things that we need to do before December 25, and others of us worry about the things that we know we will not be able to accomplish in the limited time.

But as we approach this Christmas day on Monday, December 25, many Jamaicans are wondering if Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller will be announcing the date for general or local government elections. Many speculations are being made, and some predictions and promises are being made.

General elections

The Daily Observer of Tuesday, October 31, reported 'Golding now expecting general elections before Christmas'. The Opposition Leader Bruce Golding is quoted as saying, "Do not allow yourselves to be deceived or deluded into believing that because of Trafigura the elections will be put off until some time next year." He was speaking in Mandeville to Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters.

By far the most important statement which Bruce Golding made was this, "Don't be surprised and I confidently expect that when I deliver my Christmas message this year I will be doing so from Jamaica House as Prime Minister of Jamaica."

Clearly, Bruce Golding is not only confident of a JLP victory, but is also in possession of information which was apparently provided by the Prime Minister to him at the sitting of Parliament on Tuesday, October 24, since I am not privy to any other information that placed them both together at the same place. Apparently, the Prime Minister told him the dates of the following activities: the announcement meeting of the People's National Party, nomination day, and election day. Further, Bruce Golding must also have been told by the Prime Minister that she is calling the general and not local government elections.

Bruce Golding confidently expects to deliver his Christmas message from Jamaica House. Jamaica has never had a sitting Prime Minister invite a Leader of the Opposition to Jamaica House to record his Christmas message.

But then, Jamaica House sits on many acres of land, with several metres stretching along the popular Hope Road. If on December 25, Bruce Golding is still Leader of the Opposition, will he stand on the sidewalk on Hope Road, with blooming bougainvillaeas in the background, and record his message in order to ensure Jamaica is not surprised? The confident expectation expressed by him might really only therefore become a hope or a wish for a Christmas present.

Anniversary

On February 9, 2007, the JLP will commemorate its record-breaking eighteenth anniversary of being in opposition. This unprecedented milestone has naturally caused members of the JLP to become extremely anxious to form the government. During this period of anxiety many more mistakes will be made. But as we approach the time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let us make only those promises that we can keep, and deliver those gifts that are already in our possession, or available for purchase.

No one person or political party can 'buy out' the electorate to ensure victory. Messages are an important part of the signals sent to voters. Promises made at Christmas must be taken seriously, and since it is the season of giving, let us give every Jamaican the opportunity to live on in hope.

Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and former Member of Parliament.