The sociocultural-political landscape in Jamaica has entered a most exciting and intriguing period. Indeed, it remains to be seen if the so-called Chinese curse will permeate the national psyche, because without a doubt, we are definitely living in interesting times.

For those who may not know the genesis of the quote, former US President Robert F Kennedy, in a speech in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 7, 1966 said, “There is a Chinese curse which says, ‘May he live in interesting times. Like it or not, we live in interesting times…’ “ Journalists endorsed the phrase and it has become well known.

From all indications, based on what is happening on the crime scene, in the economy, in the education sector, on our roads, and in the political arena, not to mention the dancehall space, it is safe to say that we are indeed living in interesting times!

Just as the country was recovering sufficiently from the highly anticipated freeing of the “World Boss” (Adidja Azim Palmer) from the penitentiary after a prolonged and tortuous spell behind bars, up comes the Jamaica Labour Party’s financial “Whiz Kid” Dr Nigel Clarke and discombobulates the entire nation with his decision, as stated by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to resign his posts as Member of Parliament of St Andrew North Western and minister of finance and the public service to take up the prestigious post of being a deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Both events created a seismic shift similar to the recent earthquakes the island has been experiencing, bringing to the fore the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, in the final analysis, most Jamaicans appeared to have been ecstatic at the news of Vybz Kartel’s re-entry into the Jamaican society and Dr Clarke’s exit to the IMF. But when the dust will have settled and the confetti would have ceased swirling around, there may well be more questions than answers as well as a great deal of ifs, buts, and maybes.

Truth be told, the IMF’s gain is Jamaica’s loss. Not that Dr Clarke is infallible, but he has taken the country to an enviable fiscal space in terms of the macroeconomic dynamics, helping to solidify what the People’s National Party’s (PNP) unsung hero Dr Peter Phillips had put in train during his stint in that post. To put it bluntly, his will be a hard act to follow, and Prime Minister Holness can spin as much as he wants, the fact is that his exit has left the ruling party in a tailspin akin to setting the cat among the pigeons. And the feathers have begun to fly, what with the sudden departure of St Ann North Eastern Member of Parliament (MP) and state minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth Marsha Smith, who the prime minister has promised to reward with an appropriate post (as a reward or consolation prize?)

The bottom line is that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is indeed against the ropes, as recent polls continue to put the PNP first past the post should a general election be held. Notwithstanding the brave face that the party is showing and the energy which its spin doctors are expending in trying to paint a pretty picture, Alexander Bustamante’s party has some amount of fire at its tail and “Brogad” had better beware of the Jamaican expression “Fire deh a mus-mus tail him think a cool breeze.”

In the meantime, Vybz Kartel continues to be a major distraction as well as attraction, as his every move and utterance is being scrutinised. As in the case of Dr Clarke, there is much talk about “bad mind” and the potential clash with Sting in December. His Freedom Street concert has had dancehall fans wagging their tongues, all the while “selling their body parts” in order to see the World Boss make his grand return to the dancehall stage.

Vybz Kartel, however, with his Caucasian queen constantly by his side, has been boasting about the millions he is roping in even while there are those who are badmouthing and envying him. In this vein, one wonders if the demand for the United States dollar leading to a rapid devaluation of the Jamaican currency has anything to do with the rabid flurry to purchase tickets for that mammoth and “historic” show (tongue in cheek)?

Meanwhile, it is going to be interesting to see what is revealed in Gordon House when Parliament resumes, given the fact that the Integrity Commission’s latest investigation report is to be tabled. Some have already surmised that there may be other pending resignations or even a Cabinet reshuffle as the JLP ship lists in the turbulent waters it is likely to find itself. Then again, it has been said that when a ship is sinking, the rats are the first to leave.

It is no secret that Jamaicans have always been looking for a saviour, a star boy to take them to the promised land. In our recent political history, prime ministers Michael Manley, Edward Seaga, Portia Simpson Miller, and latterly Holness have stepped up to the wicket. But, for the most part, Jamaicans, like the proverbial children of Sisyphus are still “rolling rockstone up the hillside”.

Now that Dr Clarke is about to take a bow and exit, there are genuine fears that things will fall apart and the centre will not hold.

Against this backdrop, Vybz Kartel continues to loom as the man of the moment, and as reggae superstar Bob Marley sung, “One thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. Forget your troubles and dance.”

Jamaicans love to party, and they have been increasingly saying to hell with the political parties. Perhaps that is why Vybz Kartel has reportedly indicated that he may run for MP. Dr Clarke, on hearing this, may well have a wide grin on his face.

Lloyd B Smith has been involved in Jamaican media for the past 49 years. He has served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He hails from western Jamaica where he is popularly known as the Governor. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or email lbsmith4@gmail.com.