Suggestions for rebuilding the JLP

Monday, January 23, 2012

Dear Editor,

JLP leader Andrew Holness on the night of his party's electoral defeat announced it was time for introspection.

Arrogance has been listed, by many, as one of the main reasons that caused the JLP's massive defeat. In addressing this issue the JLP leader did not seem forthright, but chose rather to make comparisons with the PNP.

Introspection is looking inwards and assessing oneself, without making excuses or blaming others. The reasons for the JLP's introspection, hopefully, are to identify and learn from mistakes, rebuild and strengthen the party so that it remains a viable alternative government.

Mr Holness declared in Parliament the party's intention to reconnect with the people and be guided by them. A strategy revealed earlier was for better communication with the media. But, it is the people who matter most and there can be no communication without connection! Whatever the message it will not be heard.

A former prime minister once remarked that he lifts his hat off to the PNP for the manner in which they are able to connect with the people. The reason the JLP has not been able to connect with the people, in the way its counterpart the PNP does, should be of paramount concern to its officers.

These are suggestions worth considering.

(1) Admit to errors, especially when the evidence is clear. Denying the obvious destroys credibility.

(2) Connect and communicate more effectively by listening to the people. The tone and words used in communicating are critical. Even when a government is broke, uttering "not one red cent more" during salary negotiations will definitely cause resentment.

(3) Identify more with the people. People will develop resentment if they feel they are living in squalor to enable their leaders to live in splendour.

(4) Lessen the blame game when you are in government. Politicians like to blame each other and the PNP also does its fair share when in government. We learn from the past, but if we keep looking backward to cast blame we prevent or slow our pace forward.

(5) Never ignore the basics! Macro-economic variables are crucial, but don't overemphasise these, and ignore the every day issues for survival. This will result in disconnect and discontent. Like the children of Israel, most people are not prepared to go even to the Promised Land with hungry bellies.

Daive R Facey

DR.Facey@gmail.com

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Suggestions for rebuilding the JLP