Dear Editor,
The selection to fill the void created by the resignation of the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) elder statesman, Dr Ken Baugh, is slowly morphing into another JLP tragedy with accusations and threats of court action. The episode is another example of the inherent internal contradictions in the JLP stemming from the conflict between the blocs that compose the Jamaica Labour Party.
Historically, while, in the main, the People's National Party represents a middle class coalition, the JLP is a coalition of the upper and lower classes. The superimposition of upper class resources upon a working class structure, without a common ideology that binds, has created a wedding cake mixture essentially ephemeral, as demonstrated in the frequent internecine conflicts that afflict the JLP.
At the heart of the issue is the balance between the working class wing with its appeal to the masses, and upper class wing with the power of the purse. The JLP has struggled to find the right balance and its spectacular failure in this regard is eclipsed only by its lack of political success.
The present contest for the right to run on the JLP's ticket in St Catherine West Central is a clear demonstration of the contradictions. Here we have a popular candidate in the four-term parish councillor, Devon Wint, a "man-a yard", born and raised in the constituency, however his challenger is coming from the self-proclaimed heir to the throne with a much greater access to capital, and Kent Gammon, as the ranked outsider. In a less-conflicted political organisation, this situation would be easily resolved with a simple majority vote. However, in the JLP, tensions are rising as supporters of Wint lambast the JLP for not been a meritocratic organisation -- since under a meritocracy no one has any ordained right to rule, instead one earns that right on the merits of his political contributions.
Supporters of Christopher Tufton obviously differ, making much on their candidate's destiny to rule and his right to challenge for a seat anywhere. The contending views might head to the courts for resolution. One thing is certain: Tufton stands to lose far more than Wint, with talks of a loss signalling the end of Tufton's political career. How the party handles this situation will impact the organisation for decades to come. This may well be another tragedy or triumph for the JLP. We the public await the outcome with bated breath.
Phillip A Chambers
phillipdcchambers@gmail.com
Another JLP tragedy?
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The selection to fill the void created by the resignation of the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) elder statesman, Dr Ken Baugh, is slowly morphing into another JLP tragedy with accusations and threats of court action. The episode is another example of the inherent internal contradictions in the JLP stemming from the conflict between the blocs that compose the Jamaica Labour Party.
Historically, while, in the main, the People's National Party represents a middle class coalition, the JLP is a coalition of the upper and lower classes. The superimposition of upper class resources upon a working class structure, without a common ideology that binds, has created a wedding cake mixture essentially ephemeral, as demonstrated in the frequent internecine conflicts that afflict the JLP.
At the heart of the issue is the balance between the working class wing with its appeal to the masses, and upper class wing with the power of the purse. The JLP has struggled to find the right balance and its spectacular failure in this regard is eclipsed only by its lack of political success.
The present contest for the right to run on the JLP's ticket in St Catherine West Central is a clear demonstration of the contradictions. Here we have a popular candidate in the four-term parish councillor, Devon Wint, a "man-a yard", born and raised in the constituency, however his challenger is coming from the self-proclaimed heir to the throne with a much greater access to capital, and Kent Gammon, as the ranked outsider. In a less-conflicted political organisation, this situation would be easily resolved with a simple majority vote. However, in the JLP, tensions are rising as supporters of Wint lambast the JLP for not been a meritocratic organisation -- since under a meritocracy no one has any ordained right to rule, instead one earns that right on the merits of his political contributions.
Supporters of Christopher Tufton obviously differ, making much on their candidate's destiny to rule and his right to challenge for a seat anywhere. The contending views might head to the courts for resolution. One thing is certain: Tufton stands to lose far more than Wint, with talks of a loss signalling the end of Tufton's political career. How the party handles this situation will impact the organisation for decades to come. This may well be another tragedy or triumph for the JLP. We the public await the outcome with bated breath.
Phillip A Chambers
phillipdcchambers@gmail.com
Another JLP tragedy?
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