Dear Editor,

It is natural for families, groups, business corporations, and any group of people to have dissenting views that relate to the unit. However, when a political party consistently fails to settle issues in a civilised manner, there lies the danger to our democracy.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), over the years, has displayed an affinity to expose its inability to unite for any long period of time. This has contributed to a loss of the confidence of many in the Jamaican electorate. This is borne out by the party’s infrequent visits to the winners’ circle. The general belief that they are better managers of the economy is dissipating as their brief stints in Government do not give enough time to measure management abilities.

Unfortunate as it now stands, the JLP has surrendered its opportunities to be government of the country because of disputes. History will highlight the fact that at least two election losses in the last 20-odd years resulted from the leaders’ refusal to accept collective advice not to call elections at the time they did.

Both parties have had public spats; however, the PNP readily resolves its disharmony — at least in the public domain.

The latest developments in the JLP could have serious repercussions for that party’s electability in future elections. The latest information regarding the threat on the lives of the party leader and general secretary being a hoax is, to say the least, damning. What surprises is the fact that news of the attempted plot was greeted with muted scepticism and there was no media frenzy — both social and traditional. It signals two things: the majority of people did not believe the story or don’t care whether the story is true or not. Now therein lies the major problem.

The JLP should put its house in order; the Jamaican people deserve that much. The irony is that the party, like its major opponent, has some brilliant, dedicated members; everything should be done to keep them in politics.

If something is not seriously done in the JLP, the second term of a PNP government is inevitable, whilst the JLP is effortlessly perfecting its own self-destruction.

Tony Miles

tonymiles1940@gmail.com