Dear Editor,

I read a letter published on January 8 in the Jamaica Observer written by Teddylee Gray in which he criticised Lisa Hanna for not being good at representational politics; not being a people person; and not being an implementer, although he acknowledged her contribution to politics in general and her advocacy.

I thought the criticism was grossly unfair as Hanna has consistently been one of the most visible and vocal politicians who is always seen working with the people of her constituency. I believe some might be critical of Hanna because she is intelligent, articulate, and confident, and as a woman this can be intimidating to some.

Hanna is no nonsense and has zero tolerance for foolishness, inefficiencies, and negativity. She is humble and grass roots and has always kept close to her culture.

Hanna’s outlook is transformational, and there are very few like her in politics who aim to transform instead of maintain the status quo. She has repeatedly expressed frustration about the challenges of dealing with government entities who control resources allocated to constituencies. We know how difficult it is dealing with government on a personal level, imagine being an Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) going after limited resources which can be withheld or delayed due to politics.

Every politician will have critics; however, it would not be difficult to find many supporters of Hanna in her constituency. I believe she is the only politician who uses most of her MP’s salary to benefit her constituents. She often shares stories to highlight the plight of Jamaicans who are at an unfair socio-economic advantage in this country.

Ironically, Gray goes on to say that Hanna is needed in the House of Representatives as a senator. If she has so many flaws and is not a people person, why would you want her back in Parliament? The House is about representing the people regardless of whether one is elected or appointed as a sitting member. If we check the record of most MPs, you’ll find that most are underachievers who are not seen in their constituencies unless it is election time. Many cannot string a sentence properly to debate or argue a point, but men escape the criticisms which are unfairly levelled at women.

Hanna is one of the most sought after local speakers for engagements abroad. If she leaves politics entirely, this will be Jamaica’s loss. I believe much of the criticisms to date has been petty, personal, and misogynistic.

Her articles in the Observer are worth reading, and we may not always agree on the solutions, but they trigger a discussion on critical topics of interest.

If Hanna gets frustrated and crosses the floor to join the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), this will be the kiss of death for the People’s National Party (PNP). One thing about the JLP, they know how to identify good talent and use it to their strategic advantage.

Hanna’s popularity on social media is on par with that of Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding pales in comparison to both as he lacks the charm and acumen to pull a crowd and maintain its interest for more than a few seconds.

If I were leader of the Opposition, I would’ve kept Hanna in the Shadow Cabinet, even for optics, as she is perhaps the most recognisable face of the party today and one of the best speakers in Parliament. She has a commanding presence, is media savvy and stylish, and has a background and expertise in public relations and marketing. I would’ve worked with her to build up the party’s image even if she is not running for a seat in the next general election.

The steady rise in polls favouring the PNP cannot be attributed to anything the party or its leadership has done, as they have been largely dormant; it is simply due to the public becoming frustrated with the JLP.

What happens next for Hanna is yet to be seen, but it will surely be a strategic move. She really does not need to stay in politics given the business empire controlled by her family. I believe her quest to continue helping people, especially the poor, to achieve social and economic equity will never fade.

Hanna would make a great president if Jamaica eventually becomes a republic, and I am sure there will be international opportunities given her connections.

We often forget that the best among us is not limited by the borders of Jamaica.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com