Dear Editor,

I’ve only voted for the People’s National Party (PNP) once, but one has to be reasonable and rational in elections. Last election, pollsters predicted a close call, with no one party leading by any wide margin. The mood on the ground, however, was much different, and I could sense a landslide.

This time the margin could be even wider, I agree with Peter Phillips, who stated in a report, that the PNP expects to win more seats.

Jamaica Observer columnist Franklin Johnston put things into context superbly in his column, ‘It’s not about Portia; it’s the economy, stupid!’ There are many factors naturally working against the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Jamaica has experienced moderate economic growth, plus the recent ranking by Forbes, which placed Jamaica as number one in the region to do business with. Another report showed an improvement in terms of corruption perception, Jamaica jumping 16 places upwards on the Global Corruption Index. Add to that, we have been passing International Monetary Fund tests to the point where the targets have been relaxed. Tourism is booming, major investments have been announced for the sector, which should see a further boost to employment and foreign exchange revenues. We also hear that Jamaica’s trade deficit is narrowing, and tax revenues have been increasing. It doesn’t hurt, too, that Peter Phillips was recently named “Man of the Year for 2015”.

The harsh reality is, a JLP Government would’ve been faced with the same economic challenges, and they haven’t proven they could’ve done any better. I have personally found the Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness to be weak, and he does not connect with or inspire. Simpson Miller has her own weaknesses as a leader, but somehow she gets by and seems to command the respect of her Cabinet and party followers.

I like the PNP’s slate of 63 candidates. I’m particularly keen on some of the newcomers, including Imani Duncan-Price and Patricia Duncan Sutherland.

Yes, the Jamaican dollar is sliding and unemployment is high, especially among the youth. These are challenges facing many countries today. Crime continues to be a problem here and everyone hopes for some decline. Health care and education are also challenges with much room for improvement. But, generally speaking, the PNP Government seems to be on the right track and deserve a chance to continue its programmes and initiatives.

Holness, along with some in the JLP hierarchy, may well find himself standing without a seat in the House after the election. Until the JLP can refresh itself and can present some reasonable and sustainable alternatives and solutions, it is very likely they will have to settle for Opposition once again.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com