Dear Editor,
The March 10, 2016
Jamaica Observer editorial, titled ‘Michael Manley might have been more comfortable in today’s JLP’ must have confirmed the opinion of many seasoned voters and/or followers of Jamaica’s political landscape.
I have opined in many fora that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) seems to have taken a leaf out of the People’s National Party (PNP) playbook with regard to the policies and the practices introduced by the JLP throughout this recent general election campaign. As indicated by the editorial, they are reminiscent of the PNP’s Norman-through-Michael Manley era.
For that this JLP should be commended for having come full cycle; at least at being successful in an election wherein the incumbent PNP had everything going for them by virtue of their success in managing a troubled economy. The PNP seems to have figured they could avoid adhering to certain campaign practices and principles — like participating in the national debates — and safely rest on their laurels, while the JLP’s leadership was focused and meticulous in applying themselves by covering their bases, and staying on message.
Therefore, the JLP has earned their victory and must now prove that they can translate such victory into the professional and efficient managing of the economy — a task that is made more challenging by virtue of the narrow margin by which they won the election.
In the same token, having been beaten at its own game, the PNP’s challenge is to be a responsible Opposition, by being vigilant as the people’s watchdog, while not being obstructionist.
With that said, I have no reason to believe that the PNP, as the Opposition, will cease to continue doing that which is right and appropriate for the country, considering that — as indicated by the same editorial: “...the People’s National Party was gratuitous enough to concede victory to Jamaica Labour Party without requesting a magisterial recount” of the ballot based on the narrow margin with which they lost. I can’t help but wonder if the JLP and its supporters would have been just as willing.
Barrington Bryan
Newark, New Jersey, USA
bbrypublish2@yahoo.com
The March 10, 2016
Jamaica Observer editorial, titled ‘Michael Manley might have been more comfortable in today’s JLP’ must have confirmed the opinion of many seasoned voters and/or followers of Jamaica’s political landscape.
I have opined in many fora that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) seems to have taken a leaf out of the People’s National Party (PNP) playbook with regard to the policies and the practices introduced by the JLP throughout this recent general election campaign. As indicated by the editorial, they are reminiscent of the PNP’s Norman-through-Michael Manley era.
For that this JLP should be commended for having come full cycle; at least at being successful in an election wherein the incumbent PNP had everything going for them by virtue of their success in managing a troubled economy. The PNP seems to have figured they could avoid adhering to certain campaign practices and principles — like participating in the national debates — and safely rest on their laurels, while the JLP’s leadership was focused and meticulous in applying themselves by covering their bases, and staying on message.
Therefore, the JLP has earned their victory and must now prove that they can translate such victory into the professional and efficient managing of the economy — a task that is made more challenging by virtue of the narrow margin by which they won the election.
In the same token, having been beaten at its own game, the PNP’s challenge is to be a responsible Opposition, by being vigilant as the people’s watchdog, while not being obstructionist.
With that said, I have no reason to believe that the PNP, as the Opposition, will cease to continue doing that which is right and appropriate for the country, considering that — as indicated by the same editorial: “...the People’s National Party was gratuitous enough to concede victory to Jamaica Labour Party without requesting a magisterial recount” of the ballot based on the narrow margin with which they lost. I can’t help but wonder if the JLP and its supporters would have been just as willing.
Barrington Bryan
Newark, New Jersey, USA
bbrypublish2@yahoo.com