Dear Editor,
The popular Jamaican expression, "Don't watch the noise in the market; watch the sales", is one that underscores the value of substance and effectiveness rather than form.
Traditionally, Jamaican politics has been characterised by rowdy, overly combative, and even violent exchanges between and among rivals. Unfortunately, this tends to be the case because many subscribe to the archaic view that one has to be loud, rowdy and pompous in order to effectively level criticism and political jabs, or get the opponent to act in the manner you prescribe. But, contrary to this classical, and I dare say antiquated approach, one can be effective and successful in the cut and thrust of the politics without resorting to rowdiness and other undesirable actions.
To his credit, Opposition Leader Andrew Holness demonstrates this time and again. He has been able to deliver on the core obligations that fall to a parliamentary Opposition under the Westminster system; that is, engaging in oversight and critique of government policies and actions, but is doing so without mashing up the place, blocking roads, or burning tyres.
Holness's strident advocacy, in respect of that infamous attempt by the Government to slap the taxpaying public with an ATM withdrawal tax, tax on textbooks, and massive increases in passport application fees at a moment's notice, are useful examples of how effective leadership and political stealth can be brought to bear in securing desired responses from a Government that is otherwise arrogant, callous and insensitive.
The education minister's withdrawal of that distasteful and reprehensible "leggo beast" comment, albeit after considerable delay and resistance, is the latest example of how Holness has been effective in securing desired outcomes without hostile confrontation or rowdiness.
Marlon Morgan
Aide to Opposition Leader Andrew Holness
marlonandremorgan@gmail.com
Effectiveness rather than form
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The popular Jamaican expression, "Don't watch the noise in the market; watch the sales", is one that underscores the value of substance and effectiveness rather than form.
Traditionally, Jamaican politics has been characterised by rowdy, overly combative, and even violent exchanges between and among rivals. Unfortunately, this tends to be the case because many subscribe to the archaic view that one has to be loud, rowdy and pompous in order to effectively level criticism and political jabs, or get the opponent to act in the manner you prescribe. But, contrary to this classical, and I dare say antiquated approach, one can be effective and successful in the cut and thrust of the politics without resorting to rowdiness and other undesirable actions.
To his credit, Opposition Leader Andrew Holness demonstrates this time and again. He has been able to deliver on the core obligations that fall to a parliamentary Opposition under the Westminster system; that is, engaging in oversight and critique of government policies and actions, but is doing so without mashing up the place, blocking roads, or burning tyres.
Holness's strident advocacy, in respect of that infamous attempt by the Government to slap the taxpaying public with an ATM withdrawal tax, tax on textbooks, and massive increases in passport application fees at a moment's notice, are useful examples of how effective leadership and political stealth can be brought to bear in securing desired responses from a Government that is otherwise arrogant, callous and insensitive.
The education minister's withdrawal of that distasteful and reprehensible "leggo beast" comment, albeit after considerable delay and resistance, is the latest example of how Holness has been effective in securing desired outcomes without hostile confrontation or rowdiness.
Marlon Morgan
Aide to Opposition Leader Andrew Holness
marlonandremorgan@gmail.com
Effectiveness rather than form
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