Dear Editor,
The implosion now taking place in the People's National Party (PNP) can be attributed to the actions or lack thereof from the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (PNP). Had the JLP presented itself as a viable party with credible candidates that can win constituencies now held by the PNP, all those selfish and egotistical challenges now being mounted in the various constituencies would never have taken place. It goes to show that political representation is not about the improvement in the quality of life of the people, but rather about oneself and one's own climb up the ladder.
A look at the seats in which challenges are mounted shows that they are in seats considered to be safe seats for the PNP or seats that have a high possibility of being won by the PNP. These challengers are cowardly men and women with dastardly, clandestine, and selfish political motives.
Although political parties are viewed as democratic institutions, these egotists who are seeking a free ride to Gordon House should be stopped in their tracks by the electorate as it is not in their interest that those candidates seek a mandate. Then again, Alexander Bustamante once said, "If I send a black dog, vote for him," and the PNP took it a bit further when they said: "Jamaica is PNP country."
Come to think of it, this may be a blessing in disguise, as future MPs will now have to work hard to improve the quality of life of the majority of the constituents to guard against these "fly by night" challengers. It is the first time since 1955 that the PNP is facing so many challenges. Recently, the leadership of the PNP has been spinning these challenges to mean that democracy is strong within the party, and that there are visionaries within the ranks in the various constituencies that so many individuals want to come forward to represent the people. Well, now that the notices have been served, it is for the electorate to put them on notice that "to whom much is given, much is expected".
Fernandez "Bingy" Smith
fgeorgesmith@yahoo.com
Incumbents found wanting
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The implosion now taking place in the People's National Party (PNP) can be attributed to the actions or lack thereof from the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (PNP). Had the JLP presented itself as a viable party with credible candidates that can win constituencies now held by the PNP, all those selfish and egotistical challenges now being mounted in the various constituencies would never have taken place. It goes to show that political representation is not about the improvement in the quality of life of the people, but rather about oneself and one's own climb up the ladder.
A look at the seats in which challenges are mounted shows that they are in seats considered to be safe seats for the PNP or seats that have a high possibility of being won by the PNP. These challengers are cowardly men and women with dastardly, clandestine, and selfish political motives.
Although political parties are viewed as democratic institutions, these egotists who are seeking a free ride to Gordon House should be stopped in their tracks by the electorate as it is not in their interest that those candidates seek a mandate. Then again, Alexander Bustamante once said, "If I send a black dog, vote for him," and the PNP took it a bit further when they said: "Jamaica is PNP country."
Come to think of it, this may be a blessing in disguise, as future MPs will now have to work hard to improve the quality of life of the majority of the constituents to guard against these "fly by night" challengers. It is the first time since 1955 that the PNP is facing so many challenges. Recently, the leadership of the PNP has been spinning these challenges to mean that democracy is strong within the party, and that there are visionaries within the ranks in the various constituencies that so many individuals want to come forward to represent the people. Well, now that the notices have been served, it is for the electorate to put them on notice that "to whom much is given, much is expected".
Fernandez "Bingy" Smith
fgeorgesmith@yahoo.com
Incumbents found wanting
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