I am not surprised with how the local government elections turned out. One factor was the limited options from which to choose from and again for the lack of voters.

Confidence in the parties and their style of politics is waning among Jamaican voters, especially within the youth majority. The apathy, manifesting in their non-participation, is testament of wanting much more from the elected officials, who after the elections feel they’ve put themselves in the position.

Last Monday I witnessed people going about their normal business with not a care in the world and even looking surprised at the polling division present on Molynes Road. I feel the debates must have had a large part in it. Both debates featured poor representation and presentations, which must have made the mere thought of going to vote pointless.

Jamaicans are no longer fooled by promises, patronage and thinly veiled political threats. Kevin O’Brien Chang on

CVM-TV made a point that connected: Jamaicans have access to things to make them comfortable, thus the need for the politicians is void. It is possible that Jamaicans think the country is fine, when actually the system is widely complained about. Jamaica cannot be alright when the US dollar is suffocating ours, the Government is spending $600 million on de-bushing, and people need access to good-paying jobs. Chang rightly said that Jamaicans prefer to go to the dancehall, despite everything else.

But what do Jamaicans actually want? Where are we? Kotched up on our verandas, business as usual?

The politicians do not care whether the franchise is exercised, once they get their positions.

Jamaica is small compared to the US, Britain and South Korea, who have people demonstrating for accountability from their governments and for heads to roll. We are stuck in the same old, same old.

I actually want two more party options, because the ones on my ballot greatly disappointed me. There must be other options out there. Why isn’t our media exploring possible challengers to the political status quo? Who will take the chance or will be given the chance to make the difference?

I am not going to blame the voters; their silence — or rather the lack of inked fingers — spoke volumes.

The wider population, led by millennials, will see to real actions that will wrest the country from current crop of predacious, crab-like, self-seeking and serving politicians who still reinforce the garrison ‘strong seat’ mentality and don’t do squat!

rastarjamaica@yahoo.com