As we draw closer to another general election — expected by the end of this year — it is clear that it is going to be a showdown between the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), hoping for a third term, and the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), who has repeatedly noted that “Time come!”
Visibly, election campaigns have intensified, and each party is leaving no stone unturned, as is evidenced by the unveiling of scandals of corruption, defamation lawsuits, numerous press releases and conferences, and protests.
The frequently referenced Andrew Holness-led Administration has defended its successes in terms of economic stability, infrastructural development, reduction in unemployment, increase in social welfare, and a significant decrease in murders.
On the matter of crime reduction, the statistics reported by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are encouraging. Some police divisions across the country have witnessed significant drops in murders and serious crimes. It is also commendable the significant seizures of guns and ammunition reported by the JCF. Evidently, Jamaica now has a more equipped and intelligent JCF, which is led by the capable Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, who fiercely supports and defends his staff.
The PNP has long labelled the JLP as a Government that campaigns on public relations; however, evidence stares us in the face that there are tangible successes achieved under this Administration. Consequently, the Government must be credited for its accomplishments. Interestingly, whenever crime escalates, the Government is gruesomely criticised. Therefore, now that it has been decreasing steadily, the Government deserves its share of praise.
While we need an active and steady Opposition in our democracy, especially to keep the Government in check, it is difficult to understand the PNP’s vision for the country. The PNP has no clear message, and it is troubling to envision it taking over the reins of the country.
Recently, the PNP staged a protest condemning the appointment of Dennis Chung as the chief technical director of the Financial Investigations Division (FID) of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. According to the PNP, and some so-called civil society groups, Chung’s public comments on the Integrity Commission’s report about Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’s reported 28 bank accounts automatically disqualified him. Chung, in giving his professional opinion, had said that there was nothing unusual about having over two dozen bank accounts. The more substantial point is the amount of money being transferred between the accounts.
Additionally, despite Chung’s years of professional experience, some have reduced him to “just an accountant” — even people with whom he has worked before.
At the protest staged recently, there were many people who were unaware of the reason they were out in the sun protesting, even though they had placards and were speaking loudly. Some were completely ignorant of the functions of the FID. Imagine some people calling you unqualified but they have no idea what your expertise entails.
When I saw the news clip from a news outlet, I was embarrassingly annoyed. I questioned whether we were to blame the news reporter or the political party. However, the journalist cannot be at fault for asking the critical questions she posed.
That incident is one of many in which political parties prey on the vulnerability and illiteracy of the poor for political mileage. This group of people is easily brainwashed. As an educator, I thought to myself that the system has really failed our people.
Sometimes it is easy to be classist and prejudiced toward this group and criticise election outcomes because these are the people who will go out and vote to determine who forms the next Government. But how different are the so-called educated from them? Many of the more learned ones are diehards and cannot have a genuine conversation beyond party lines. In any case, every enumerated Jamaican has the right to vote and that should be respected, every though election results have consequences — as is seen in the United States.
I came across another video with Dr Holness, who was in the presence of Senator Damion Crawford and another supporter of the PNP. The female supporter was explaining to Holness that her community has been without piped water for 14 years. The prime minister reassured her that he takes great interest in this; however, sometimes it takes a while to get things done. Towards the end of their interaction he extended his hand to shake hers, but she refused. It was really unfortunate that the PNP supporter did not act in a civil manner in such a context, all because of politics. However, Dr Holness demonstrated a high level of professionalism and decorum.
As the political momentum continues to pick up, it is critical for both the JLP and PNP to campaign on truth, their track record of accomplishments, and civility. The poor and ignorant should not be exploited through vote-buying campaigns, whether implicit or explicit, to win the next election.

Oneil Madden is a PhD candidate in didactics and linguistics at the Université Clermont Auvergne, France, and lecturer of academic literacy and French. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or maddenoniel@yahoo.com