Remember the two sides make one Gov’t
Dear Editor,
With only a year left in our current Government’s term, it seems members of both parties have been scrambling to highlight their relevance to Jamaican voters and leave an impression that they have been “working”. But, let’s face it, as is oft the case, voters will follow party tribalism, jump on the campaign trail and sell their vote for a plate of curry goat and a drink. This is not intended to be an attack on how Jamaicans choose to exercise their franchise, instead, I would like to point out to our political parties, both their members and leaders, that together they form the government of the country.
Our members of parliament come from both the Jamaica Labour Party and the People’s National Party, and I would like to remind them that their job is not merely an office job to pay their bills and afford them a life of luxury. As a member of parliament, you are elected to represent the people of your constituency, raise their issues, and represent their concerns in Gordon House to help make policy decisions that are in their best interest. It seems our politicians will always forget that being called to represent is an honour, and the trust and confidence of Jamaicans should be rewarded by a Government who looks out for the interests of its own supporters.
The structure of our Government requires that representatives work hand in hand. The role of the Opposition is not simply to oppose every suggestion put forward by the ruling party. The Opposition, be it the JLP or PNP at any given time, is always eager to bash decisions taken and create conflict. It would be nice to see both parties taking into consideration the merits of suggestions by the other party and the two working hand in hand to implement ideas which aid the growth and development of our country. Besides buying votes and bribing the electorate, may I suggest that the next best way to garner political support is to show Jamaican people that you can put aside your own self-interests and put our country first.
Ashley Walker
ashleywalker98@gmail.com
