Dear Editor,
While not unfamiliar, the Jamaica Labour Party will once again host a primary election to choose a standard-bearer for the next general election; this time in St Catherine West Central. While the JLP is known for its commitment to democracy, this candidate selection is important because it involves a former minister in the Golding Administration, Dr Christopher Tufton, who will face off councillor in the constituency's Point Hill Division, Devon Wint.
This run-off is important because Jamaica has been awaiting the return of "the Dr" to representational politics, and his re-emergence would further strengthen #TeamJLP and the 'Poverty to Prosperity' message.
St Catherine West Central is seen as a safe JLP seat, and while Wint may believe his time is now, he must champion the ringing of democracy by reining in his ill-advised supporters. Even though he has served his division well, the writing on the wall suggests that Dr Tufton may be better for the constituency. His track record as a minister of government speaks volumes, and also as an MP. He implemented many social and infrastructural programmes in what was also a rural constituency. History also suggests that West Central stands to benefit from the agricultural and economical research done at CaPRI.
It is understandable that those who support Wint would feel that the seat should just be handed to him because he understudied Dr Baugh for years, but Jamaica is still a democracy. A selection exercise will settle all questions, and it makes managing the constituency organisation much easier. Let's not fight democracy; rather, let's embrace it and give the majority their say, as it is the right thing to do.
Rohan D B Walsh
St Andrew
bryanwalsh@hotmail.com
Let democracy decide -- but I want Tufton
-->
While not unfamiliar, the Jamaica Labour Party will once again host a primary election to choose a standard-bearer for the next general election; this time in St Catherine West Central. While the JLP is known for its commitment to democracy, this candidate selection is important because it involves a former minister in the Golding Administration, Dr Christopher Tufton, who will face off councillor in the constituency's Point Hill Division, Devon Wint.
This run-off is important because Jamaica has been awaiting the return of "the Dr" to representational politics, and his re-emergence would further strengthen #TeamJLP and the 'Poverty to Prosperity' message.
St Catherine West Central is seen as a safe JLP seat, and while Wint may believe his time is now, he must champion the ringing of democracy by reining in his ill-advised supporters. Even though he has served his division well, the writing on the wall suggests that Dr Tufton may be better for the constituency. His track record as a minister of government speaks volumes, and also as an MP. He implemented many social and infrastructural programmes in what was also a rural constituency. History also suggests that West Central stands to benefit from the agricultural and economical research done at CaPRI.
It is understandable that those who support Wint would feel that the seat should just be handed to him because he understudied Dr Baugh for years, but Jamaica is still a democracy. A selection exercise will settle all questions, and it makes managing the constituency organisation much easier. Let's not fight democracy; rather, let's embrace it and give the majority their say, as it is the right thing to do.
Rohan D B Walsh
St Andrew
bryanwalsh@hotmail.com
Let democracy decide -- but I want Tufton
-->