Dear Editor,
Jamaica's two political parties simply cannot present themselves as either being credible in the case of the People's National Party (PNP) or trenchant in the case of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
Let's look at the PNP. It presented itself as the people's saviour. However, the country is in a tailspin with everything out of control. To compound this disastrous performance, the leader, who who represents the poor, is completely missing in action. This country has not heard a comprehensive or poignant interview from the PM in months, and those who speak on the Government's behalf are normally unprepared. Further, Mr Richard Azan admitted to not adhering to policies and procedures set out by law and the geniuses in government saw it fit to reinstate him. This is a slap in the face of all that is ethical and it proves that Jamaican politicians really do not care about perceived image.
Now to the alternative: the Jamaica Labour Party. This party is in utter disarray, and this does not stem from Audley Shaw's leadership challenge. I refuse to think that all the issues being played out in the media now are new. Can this party re-group and be viable again? The new shadow Cabinet leaves much to be desired, therefore, at this time as an alternative to the PNP, the JLP seems weak. The Opposition does not act like it's in opposition. Several matters which should be on their lips, simply gets a wonderful press conference but nothing more. The Opposition needs to forge partnerships with civil groups and apply some pressure to the Government in order to be seen as being effective and serious about coming back into power.
Overall, our politics is becoming more and more a joke, the PNP does not understand transparency and the JLP cannot come together to be a force to be reckoned with.
Javid Brown
Westmoreland
javidbrown@gmail.com
Shabby Gov't and weak alternative
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Jamaica's two political parties simply cannot present themselves as either being credible in the case of the People's National Party (PNP) or trenchant in the case of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
Let's look at the PNP. It presented itself as the people's saviour. However, the country is in a tailspin with everything out of control. To compound this disastrous performance, the leader, who who represents the poor, is completely missing in action. This country has not heard a comprehensive or poignant interview from the PM in months, and those who speak on the Government's behalf are normally unprepared. Further, Mr Richard Azan admitted to not adhering to policies and procedures set out by law and the geniuses in government saw it fit to reinstate him. This is a slap in the face of all that is ethical and it proves that Jamaican politicians really do not care about perceived image.
Now to the alternative: the Jamaica Labour Party. This party is in utter disarray, and this does not stem from Audley Shaw's leadership challenge. I refuse to think that all the issues being played out in the media now are new. Can this party re-group and be viable again? The new shadow Cabinet leaves much to be desired, therefore, at this time as an alternative to the PNP, the JLP seems weak. The Opposition does not act like it's in opposition. Several matters which should be on their lips, simply gets a wonderful press conference but nothing more. The Opposition needs to forge partnerships with civil groups and apply some pressure to the Government in order to be seen as being effective and serious about coming back into power.
Overall, our politics is becoming more and more a joke, the PNP does not understand transparency and the JLP cannot come together to be a force to be reckoned with.
Javid Brown
Westmoreland
javidbrown@gmail.com
Shabby Gov't and weak alternative
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