Dear Editor,
It is becoming more and more apparent that our prime minister has received the long-awaited touch from her “master”, therefore a general election draweth nigh, and so it is also the season for election debates.
The Jamaica Debates Commission should be commended for continuing what is being established as a firm tradition in the democratic life of this country. However, I noted with interest the difference with which the United States carried out their debate recently between aspirants of the Democratic Party.
I must say that I view this format as a perfect example of what our national debate should be. I believe that we should give serious consideration to carrying out our debates in a similar fashion.
Instead of our politicians standing on platforms shouting rebuttals across from each other, why not stage it in a town hall style Forum with live streaming for our viewing public and interaction with a cautiously chosen audience of citizens, civil servants and journalists; people with genuine concerns and valid questions who are at the helm of society.
I suggest this because, as young people, oftentimes these things are grossly unattractive to us, but in this instance I was compelled to listen as the debaters were not reading from scripts or previously prepared answers. The audience members sent in their questions they were screened after which they were allowed to ask them personally.
I found it very refreshing, in my opinion it would prove way more fruitful than the usual adversarial form that our national debates have taken so far.
If our intent as a nation is to advance internationally, this is one such thing that we should give due consideration.
Thalia McDonald
thalia.mcdonald@yahoo.com
It is becoming more and more apparent that our prime minister has received the long-awaited touch from her “master”, therefore a general election draweth nigh, and so it is also the season for election debates.
The Jamaica Debates Commission should be commended for continuing what is being established as a firm tradition in the democratic life of this country. However, I noted with interest the difference with which the United States carried out their debate recently between aspirants of the Democratic Party.
I must say that I view this format as a perfect example of what our national debate should be. I believe that we should give serious consideration to carrying out our debates in a similar fashion.
Instead of our politicians standing on platforms shouting rebuttals across from each other, why not stage it in a town hall style Forum with live streaming for our viewing public and interaction with a cautiously chosen audience of citizens, civil servants and journalists; people with genuine concerns and valid questions who are at the helm of society.
I suggest this because, as young people, oftentimes these things are grossly unattractive to us, but in this instance I was compelled to listen as the debaters were not reading from scripts or previously prepared answers. The audience members sent in their questions they were screened after which they were allowed to ask them personally.
I found it very refreshing, in my opinion it would prove way more fruitful than the usual adversarial form that our national debates have taken so far.
If our intent as a nation is to advance internationally, this is one such thing that we should give due consideration.
Thalia McDonald
thalia.mcdonald@yahoo.com