Dear Editor,

There’s leadership and then there’s presence. Jamaicans know the difference, because we’ve seen it in Dr Andrew Holness, prime minister of Jamaica. Whether it’s a national celebration, a community outreach, or a symbolic launch, the prime minister shows up.

Holness isn’t afraid to be on the ground. He’s present at national events, official functions, community gatherings, and symbolic ceremonies. He interacts with the people from elders to young children with warmth and sincerity. Whether he’s shaking hands, taking photos, sharing a laugh, or simply listening, he makes his presence felt. He speaks directly to the people, moves through crowds with ease, and lifts spirits wherever he goes. Always present, always leading from the front, the man genuinely loves the people and shows it.

And perhaps the clearest example of that leadership was during the COVID-19 pandemic. When fear gripped the globe and uncertainty was high, Holness did not shy away, he didn’t disappear behind closed doors or delegate away responsibility. He faced the crisis head-on, updating the nation, making the tough calls, showing calm in chaos. He led from the front. While many world leaders fumbled, he rose to the occasion when Jamaicans were looking for calm and clarity. That’s not just leadership, that’s courage.

Now contrast that with People’s National Party President Mark Golding, who has made a habit of sending others to represent him. Whether it’s major national events, official functions, or significant moments in Jamaica’s progress, like the opening of the Morant Bay Urban Centre, he is, in my opinion, often nowhere to be seen. It seems, to Golding, attendance is optional, just another task to hand off. At this point, hearing “Mr Golding couldn’t be here today” has become less of an exception and more of a pattern.

One has to wonder: If this is how he operates as Opposition leader, will he continue that pattern if he becomes prime minister? Will the country be run by “representatives” while the actual prime minister stays out of sight? A leader in name, absentee in practice?

Then there’s the question of patriotism. Holness was born and bred in Spanish Town, raised in a poor but dignified home. He worked his way through hardship, student loans, and a system that wasn’t always fair, but he had no other choice but to rise. He came from humble beginnings, just like so many Jamaicans, that’s why he can relate. He knows what real struggle feels like, he speaks the people’s language because he’s lived their life. He chose Jamaica, and Jamaica chose him back.

Golding? He comes from privilege, plain and simple. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth and cushioned by comfort, he’s never had to worry about rent, school fees, or whether the light bill could be paid. He didn’t grow up navigating broken systems or learning how to stretch a dollar. His understanding of the Jamaican struggle is academic at best, detached at worst. Yes, he can recite policy and buzzwords but can he truly connect with the average Jamaican trying to survive day to day? Or is it all just performance?

And let’s not forget, for years Golding held on to British citizenship. Only when the public demanded it did he suddenly “reflect” on giving it up. We still don’t have public proof that he followed through. One foot firmly planted abroad and seemingly in no rush to step fully into Jamaican soil.

Holness respects Jamaicans enough to speak the truth, even if it doesn’t always serve him politically, because real leaders don’t manipulate, they trust the people. That’s what Holness has done time and time again, not because it’s easy, but because it’s right. Real leadership shows up, it listens, it acts, and it never hides.

Holness has proven that he’s in it for the people, all the people. So when the choice comes, choose the man who’s walked the journey with us.

Chenae Lord

chenae.lord@yahoo.com