If I were to play a video game that is based on political operations and there was a gallery of political characters to choose from to use in the game, but I could only choose from a group of women, my choice would best be described as beautiful, brilliant, and bold.

In other words, if Lisa Hanna were among the choices, I’d most likely choose her. This would probably be Lisa Hanna at the beginning of her political career though. This would be a Lisa Hanna full of potential, full of promise. But how did this wonderful dream turn into a nightmare?

The horror I am experiencing is not the disappointment of unfixed roads and unprovided jobs — not that these aren’t important considerations, because they reveal the lacks and shortcomings of a political leader, but they don’t reflect the true potential of the individual — but the failure of Hanna to realise her full potential as an astute politician. I do believe there is one still lurking in her.

Is the resignation of Lisa Hanna a major strategic move to reposition herself to come back bigger and stronger than before? Without some critical bouts of demonstrable transformation I wouldn’t get excited about her prospects of making a major comeback. In fact, even if she were to come back without changing, I’d still be very worried.

Being a good politician really isn’t about making good talk, it’s about walking the talk. It’s about truly caring about the needs of those you serve, those who have put you in office. It’s about humility, it’s about approachability. It’s about being an individual of your word. You must be a promise-keeper. Without these and other positive character traits to complement the brawn, brilliance, and beauty, one would simply be squandering premium political capital. Herein lies my chagrin, because I believe Hanna possesses premium political capital.

One thing is clear from all this: The possession of political capital does not make you entitled. It gets you in the room and around the table, but what you do once you’re inside will determine whether you stay or leave.

Notwithstanding Hanna’s failure in her St Ann constituency, I’m neither gloating over her impending departure nor rooting for her to leave. And I had to write the foregoing over the screams of the people in her constituency who may not understand that I am not trying to downplay their pain but simply trying to see how we may achieve what is best for them, and for Hanna, so we can arrive at a win-win situation.

This is what salvation is about — not caning us when we fail, but helping us change and become better people. I’m only rooting for a little grace for Hanna.

What if Hanna, for the remainder of her time in office, were to take the proverbial trip of Moses into the wilderness, leaving behind the Egyptian palace of personal pursuits and focusing instead on the needs of those she serves. If she listens to them, speaks to them, works for them, and agitates for them, I suspect that not only would her constituency and the entire Jamaica see a new Hanna, but she would discover a new dimension of herself that everyone would love, including her.

The Bible isn’t wrong: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This is very doable. Don’t you agree, Lisa?

charock01@yahoo.com