Garth Rattray
It was no surprise that Portia Simpson Miller beat Dr Peter Phillips in the contest for the post of president of the People's National Party (PNP) ... again. From all appearances, the entire exercise came down to a competition between two divergent personalities. Charisma and firebrand politics trumped straight-laced intellectualism ... again.
Soon after the results were announced, I found myself speaking to two women by telephone. The one at my left ear (admittedly, a PNP by family tradition), was 'chawing fire' at the prospect of a party president whom many perceive as being incapable of standing toe to toe (intellectually) with Prime Minister Bruce Golding. She also voiced the concern of others who feel that Mamma 'P', though well loved, simply doesn't possess the depth and breadth of knowledge to delve into the intricacies of finances or international affairs (a requirement of leaders in today's fragile interactive economies and globalisation). As far as my friend at my left ear was concerned, the election results meant the end of any serious challenge to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) any time in the near future. This was a prospect that she profoundly bemoaned.
Delight
On the other hand, the woman in my right ear was beside herself with glee. She never uttered even one single word or syllable. From the moment I said 'hello?', to the moment I hung up - having grown tired of waiting for her to calm down - she laughed and giggled incessantly and uncontrollably. It obviously took all her will-power to resist screaming with delight. For her, Portia has always symbolised what a leader should be: congenial, approachable, well loved yet strong in the defence of herself, her people and the poorer class from which she sprang. She believes that Mamma 'P' is our imminent prime minister.
Many see Mamma 'P' as having paid her dues and, therefore, deserving of the leadership role. They see her as a grass-roots person and representative of the struggling underprivileged in our society. Her triumph vicariously liberates women who have been mistreated and/or (psychologically and physically) abused by men. They see it as incongruous for our society to be ostensibly patriarchal but effectively matriarchal.
Forgive and forget
Supporters of Mrs Simpson Miller are willing to forgive and forget her 'garrison' days and negate her out-of-depth performance during that now-infamous political debate with Bruce Golding last year. They see nothing wrong with her prancing onstage, pandering to the 'masses' and combative style of speaking at political rallies.
I guess you can't please everyone but, many diehard PNP supporters hold out the fading hope that Mamma 'P' will take heed and voluntarily transform herself into a strong yet demure leader. As I have opined in the past - much to the chagrin of some who didn't 'Mark' my words until it was too late - Mamma 'P' will reap more success if she focuses on her talent for endearing people to her and for mobilising the nation while engaging technocrats to front administrative matters.
The 'Arise and Renew' campaign never stood a chance because, unfortunately for Dr Phillips, many delegates viewed his challenge as an attempt at usurpation. Although he has a reputation for intellectualism, hard work and sacrifice, people don't easily warm up to his serious personality. Additionally, his yen for the leadership role was anything but subtle.
For the sake of the nation, I hope that the temporary rift created by the presidential election will soon disappear and that the Opposition will settle down in quick order.
Dr Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice who may be reached at garthrattray@gmail.com. Feedback may also be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com.
