NOW that the World Cup is on the way there are a couple terms that will be thrown around as people attempt to label and attribute tags to one another.

One of the most common terms used within the football fanatic space is “bandwagonist” or “wagonist”. According to the Mirriam Webster definition, “A bandwagonist is a person who takes part in or becomes enthusiastic about something only when it is popular or fashionable.” The label also attaches itself to anyone who switches from supporting one team to another under the criteria mentioned. I am sure everyone has encountered a lot of people who fit the description, and will encounter even more as their numbers multiply throughout the span of this World Cup.

Commendable are those who are able to stick to one football team through thick and thin — especially those who have supported their respective team through multiple World Cup cycles. We all have significantly more respect for those who have remained staunch supporters, even when thin is all their team has ever known. How does any of this tie in with politics? Well, that commendable, unwavering loyalty loses much value when your safety, your child’s safety, your finances and ability to tend to your obligations is directly tied to your political team.

When it comes to football, or any sport for that matter, the performance of the team that you support will affect your mood so in that setting it is perfectly fine and encouraged that you remain attached to your sports team. However, a political team is different, and it is paramount to know the distinction. If you must know, Germany is and has always been my World Cup team. Germany recently lost to Japan and even if they never win another football match for another eight years, Germany is still my team. On that note, I am most definitely not a bandwagonist. However, I am affiliated with my political party not out of brand loyalty but because I honestly believe it awards me, my loved ones, and each citizen the best opportunity at a brighter and more prosperous future.

Needless to say, if my political team which has sworn loyalty to every citizen switches up while another becomes the more favourable option I will most definitely switch to the winning team — not before fighting to steer my political team back on course, but if my efforts are futile then the result is the same.

I am aware of how controversial my stance might appear to some people but I love my family and I love the Jamaican people dearly. As such, I can watch Germany lose for years but I cannot sit back and watch my kids and yours lose. Whether a citizen is orange or green has no bearing on my willingness to aid them and keep their best interest at heart. I believe it is the same way the colour of a political party should have no bearing on whether or not you vote for it — as long as it has convinced you and proven that it has your best interest at heart.

Now, please don’t get me wrong, because an impulsive wagon jump does not serve you either. It is not the same as a football team where the fans have minimal to no say as to which 11 the coach puts on the field or what formation he uses. With politics you get a say in almost every act of governance, so be vocal through whichever means available to you as you hold your elected leaders accountable. We must remember that politicians can’t read our minds as they are humans who sometimes require a little guidance.

Please enjoy the rest of the Fifa World Cup and support your team from start to finish — win, lose or draw. Let us try to remember that this is all in the spirit of football. When the event is over, life continues, the lives that we wish to better under the leadership of our Government guided by its people.

Remember, nobody likes a wagonist, and you should try as best as possible to prevent becoming one until your team has forced your hand through inaction or disloyalty.

Hugh Graham is CEO of Paramount Trading Company Ltd and Member of Parliament for St Catherine North Western.