Dear Editor,

I note with grave concern recent reports that the People’s National Party (PNP) will not participate in national debates unless certain conditions are met. The PNP has sought to impose conditions regarding the format of proposed debates and regarding certain actions on the part of the leader of the Opposition, as a precursor to its participation in any such debates. Irrespective of any issue which the PNP and its leader may have with the leader of the Opposition regarding certain statements he made, discussions surrounding the terms of the debate are not the appropriate forum to resolve such matters.

These debates are for the benefit of the Jamaican people in helping them to decide on which party/leader is best suited, at present, to lead our country. The PNP and its leader owe it to the Jamaican people to stand before the nation to defend its stewardship of the country and its plans. These debates are not about the PNP, Portia Simpson Miller, or the Jamaica Labour Party and Andrew Holness, for that matter. The debates are for the people of Jamaica.

One cannot help but question the PNP and the prime minister’s motive for holding hostage the debates, and Jamaica by extension.

The prime minister’s tenure, thus far, has been marked by her lack of engagement of the media. I dare say that should the prime minister and the PNP dodge these debates, that singular act would wholly disqualify them from leading the country.

Richard Parchment

richard_parchment@yahoo.com