Blaine forms new political party

New Nation Coalition launched in Kingston

BY INGRID BROWN Senior staff reporter browni@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, August 05, 2010

THE history of third parties caving in under the pressure of the dominant Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP) has not thwarted former talkshow host and children's advocate Betty Ann Blaine from launching a new political party -- New Nation Coalition (NNC).

"We are in it for the long haul as we believe this is the time for this country to make a U-turn," Blaine told yesterday's launch of the NNC at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel in New Kingston.

Blaine, who recently quit her job as talkshow host of Nationwide's On the Agenda, said, however, that the NNC was more than a political party.

She said the coalition, which is grounded in Christianity and Christian principles, is promising to address myriad social ills, including family life, urban housing, rural land reform.

Additionally, Blaine said the coalition would seek to address the issue of tax reformation.

"Jamaicans are struggling with taxes which are oppressive," she said. But she made it clear that she was not advocating the non-payment of taxes. The coalition, she said, would use 'resource persons' to design a taxation programme that will be just and fair.

The coalition, said Blaine, would ensure that every Jamaican has a right to a good education and a good living in order to achieve prosperity, a voice in the nation's business and national development, safety, security and effective and an equitable justice system.

Blaine told journalists that the coalition would have enough time to introduce itself to Jamaicans here and abroad before another general election.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, she said, "will not commit political suicide to call an election now, so we will have time to build on the movement and allow for people to know about us".

In noting the inability of other third parties to attract mass support, an optimistic Blaine said victory would be much sweeter for a party which enters the race as an underdog.

The coalition, which consists of 10 founding members, currently has no major funders but Blaine said the aim was to use a model similar to that of United States President Barack Obama in his 2008 campaign where individuals give regardless of the size of the contribution.

"We have not gotten any help from special interests," she said, adding that there will be great transparency in how funds are raised. Our treasurer is a bank manager and she has designed a form which will be on our website so donations can be properly accounted for."

Blaine said that after 48 years of independence Jamaica was moving backwards, but insisted that her new coalition would change that.

The party, she said, has no intention of indulging in a blame game or playing politics with the future of the Jamaican people.

The NNC, according to Blaine, has established a think tank of notable Jamaican patriots to begin formulating ideas and documenting key areas of reform and strategies which will signal the U-turn the country must make.

The NNC, which will also be forging solid partnerships with the Jamaican Diaspora, will also be relying heavily on the support of the church.

"We are hoping to get the full support of the church and expect to do a lot of talking to churches and Christians although we are not excluding anyone," she said.

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COMMENTS (31)

Brain Allen
8/5/2010

I have said it before and I will say it again, any newly formed party that is not a Pan-African party will not succeed in Jamaica anymore - Period.

Carlos Bryson
8/5/2010

Jamaica is prime for another political party; but, it has to be one which is based upon true constitutional reforms with strict sreparation of powers and local autonomy. Much like the US. If you tell people it would be like the US, the indoctrination required would be minimal. Right now the average Jamaican cannot think outside of JLP & PNP.
Further, "based upon christian principles" is a non-starter. With accountability and transparency, the chicken and the mangoose can live in the same coop.

Stephen Fox
8/5/2010

Blaine and here group will have to attract a more diverse group of potential representatives to be credible. It is a much needed step forward. Maybe you have to believe in the devine protection before you can be brave enough to offer Jamaicans an option in this anarchic enviroment.

Anna Beaverhowzen
8/5/2010

I was intrigued by the idea, but then came the "....grounded in Christianity and Christian principle" statement and now i'm a bit concerned. Have we not heard about separation of church and state? Not doing this facilitates the growth of a theocracy rather than a democracy and lets face it, not every1 in Ja is Christian or even religious. Leave the matters of the church where it belongs...and that is in the church. Don't try to impose your beliefs or principles on others.

K C
8/5/2010

@ Jaye Stone:
Why the sarcasm? Nicolas Henry made one slight typographical error in his sentence. I am not one to say that the constitution of Ja should to be re-written regarding dual citizenship, however the Jamaican Diaspora does have a wealth of knowledge as we have seen life in both the "First world" and "Third world" countries. The exposure we have gained can serve to make improvements to Jamaica so that we are on par with other developing nations. We need this change and I commend NNC.

Nina Nais
8/5/2010

And yes, I support Betty Blaine's intiative in trying to change things. But big thumbs down on hitching her party to Christianity. Religion is a private matter. Morality & integrity don't have to be linked to a particular religion.

Nina Nais
8/5/2010

The arrogance of some Jamaicans living abroad is mind-boggling. One said: 'I think [Jamaicans living abroad] are more patriotic than the Jamaicans that live there?" On what basis? ALL of u are more patriotic than ALL of us??? Are u aware that many of us living here studied & worked abroad for several years (in multiple countries in my case) and still returned to contribute during our active years DESPITE being "afraid of being killed." There is no shortage of intelligence or patriotism here.

N Manley Blythe
8/5/2010

Congratulations Ms Blaine and the NNC.
Pay no attention to the naysayers, there will be many. I am confident that your policies, although Christian based in principle, will display the required seperation of Church and State.
One constituency at a time must be your focus, just one seat. Choose wisely, find one without a garrison and with high undecided voters. It will be a long haul but we can get there.
Please make all the information available re where to send donations etc. New Nation!

Yard Vibz
8/5/2010

That's a low blow, J. Stone. You're being cautioned for inflicting blows below the belt. One love!

ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID
8/5/2010

Undoubtedly, a needed development, in light of the stagnation and high incidence of corruption common to the extant political parties in Jamaica. A caveat, nonetheless ! Please be extremely cautious of Christian principles. Nuff respect, Ms. Blaine !!

jamaican2dcore jamaican2dcore
8/5/2010

i am really impressed with ms blaine,s decision and hope she gets lots of support, i am sure she knows its not gonna be an easy road (especially since they wont be having the spoils to throw around as lots of jamaicans are used to in politics ) but we could do well with the change,particularly if her main goal is to put the country and people first, ms blane we can really do with some action now, i mean havnt we heard enough bachelor,s degree speeches??good luk and you have my support

Winston G
8/5/2010

This is a move the PNP will love and the JLP hate. Why? The PNP has much more die-hearted support than the JLP. Next election there is a strong likelihood that the NNC will win a lot of the "non-die-hearted" votes, but not enough to win the election. The PNP's stronger die-hearted numbers will prevail.

Richard Edwards
8/5/2010

Maude Cooper I don't always agree with your opinions, but I concur with you on this one. Christianity and Christian principles can become quiter nebulous, and I firmly believe in the separation of church from state. But I must say this we need an alternative in Jamaica, I ma willing to give anythin a chance at this point, becuase how worst can it really get, seriously now.
R. E DWARDS
betterlifeforjamaicans@Yahoo.com

Marilyn Williams
8/5/2010

Dear Betty, I remember you from Excelsior High back in the late 1960's, and you alwaysstood for integrity @ good morals. You were a go-getter then, always wanting the best for everyone. I whole heartedly will support you. And I am calling on all Excelsorians of the past and present to get on board and support this effort, Jamaica needs it badly. We need something different, people who are concerned about the betterment of the country @ its people, not ones who only wants to fill their pockets.

pete delisser
8/5/2010

waste of time if u ask me. Talk show host, wantin to be PM/Leader of the Opposition?...simply forming groups/parties aint the answer. What JCA really need to see is bright bold creative younger leadership emerging (regardless of party). Too much of the same old, same old. Betty, sorry luv..ur not the answer. Stick to the talk shows & use that media to express your opinions & incite conversation...ur party wont be around in 5 yrs- my prediction.

Jaye Stone
8/5/2010

@Nicholas Henry: If the dual citizens are as smart as you, and can write as well as you can, I reckon we'll do just fine!

Jaye Stone
8/5/2010

Way to go Ms. Blaine! We have already experienced a plutocracy, a kleptocracy, something closely resembling democracy and now we're tottering on the verge of anarchy. Perhaps theocracy is our only hope. Bring it on! And we welcome Celta too!

christopher Isaacs
8/5/2010

Whilst Mrs Blaine and her faceless group is to be congratulated for their initiative and bravery, I certainly am not hopeful that they will gain much traction. Our immediate history has taught us that no one and nothing wil ever come between those two.. they are inseperable! Betty's pronouncements have been less than inspiring and she has not been able to say what has not been said already by many, many times.Persons wishing to lead Ja has had to be implanted deep within the Jcan psychic.

W Swaby
8/5/2010

I support Nicholas Henry 100%. What we need is change in the constitution where dual citizenship are concern. We abroad who have seen both side of the isles and are highly educated have a desire to serve and bring changes to the country. The 2 parties we have is not the problem. Is the lack of good qualified candidates for the existing parties that is causing the problem. The people are settling for the best of the worst, while the best of the good are out of the country watching, helpless.

renrick hall
8/5/2010

more power to you!

Queen Thompson
8/5/2010

You will get my support 110%. I've always thought that Ms. Blaine could do more for Jamaica what no one else has done in all these years, she just needs support from here and abroad, I am behind you just tell me where to sign up.

Fitzroy Whilby
8/5/2010

"She said the coalition, which is grounded in Christianity and Christian principles, is promising to address myriad social ills............" This might be starting out on the wrong foot. Whatever happened to separation of church and state? Does this mean that non-chistians are not welcome in this new 'party"?? I think the church is already the cause of a lot of the ills in Jamaica. Grow up Jamaica!!!

Anthony II
8/5/2010

I wish these people all the best. My concerns are: I think we need to work on the mentality of Jamaicans who are all too willing to accept poor treatment from the two dominant parties. The second is the supposed "religious" base of this party. I am turned off by any political movement that embraces ANY religion, as I find it to be a steep slope. If a religious group is running Jamaica, I would never return (and, trust me, I, like many others, want to return!).

Manuel Sata
8/5/2010

I cannot wish them well because the mixture of church and politics, historically, has been disastrous. All that it will do is further divide the people in an already fractured Jamaican church. I truly hope that at the end of it, the Jamaican church as an institution will collapse and be confined to the pages of history.

Maude Cooper
8/5/2010

While I appreciate the idea of a new party with fresh ideas and a dash of spirituality, I am apprehensive about “grounded in Christianity and Christian principles.” The fact is, Christianity has too many faces and for a political party to be so grounded may be not be that good; considering that when a believer gets a message from his/her god it may not resonate with the rest of society. Christianity should be a personal matter not political. They should just take a good look around, see what is lacking in terms of present representation, society and family and start there.

Nicolas Henry
8/5/2010

Reform the constitution to allow Jamaicans with dual citizenship to hold elected offices. I think we are more patriotic than the Jamaicans that lives their. Many of us are so unhappy with our adopted countries, but can't come home because of the fear of being killed. That I think will drive us more sincerely to see JA better off, because we've seen both sides of the fence.

Stephen Fox
8/5/2010

This road is long but necessary. They will need funding to survive and thrive. I call on civil society to financially support this effort and other like it.

Alvin L.
8/5/2010

I wish you guys all the best ! It only takes a spark to get the fire going. It is time for Jamaica to have another option than the stagnant JLP and PNP.
I hope you take time and use your passion for making Jamaica greater in caring about it's citizens when you sit down to draft your charter for the direction which will lead Jamaica out of the dark ages and blight.
Good luck 1 Work hard...

Jacqueline Samms
8/5/2010

Already some are against a third party for Jamaica and is advocating instead ,a Pressure Group, what foolishness.The two parties we currently have are self centered and is not working for the betterment of the country.Now more than ever we need a third party.

Hugh Maxwell
8/5/2010

Is this the "audicity of hope"? I congratulate Betty and her courage. I did not know that she was so.."what-ev-eeeer". Some may say why not join forces NDM .But it sound too much like Golding.. The people of JA have a "locus standi " so why not let them be aware with NNC. The people have already been bitten my political vampires though, and how can she 'unvamperise' them? Can vampires change back to humans. Who knows maybe NNC has the antedote. All the best Betty you have my full support!

Chuck Emanuel
8/5/2010

One of the aims should be to advance the arguments for those of us who earnestly seek constitutional reforms, with a view of separation of powers and real accountability.
This is paramount in the quest to restore integrity, morality and the rule of law.
A very welcome development indeed !

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Blaine forms new political party