Dear Editor,

If we were to go by the sea of green that showed up in Half-Way-Tree last Sunday at the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) mass rally it would give us hope that we are certainly up for a consequential but vibrant election.

When I consider the crowd, which stretched up to Constant Spring Road, I think of the text in Malachi 3:10 that is often referenced in Sabbath churches when it is time to gather the tithes and offering: “… if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Essentially, Half-Way-Tree did not have room enough to host the multitude of Labourites, well-wishers, Comrades, and Jamaicans, in general, who turned up to share in the festivities and listen to the prime minister announce the date of the next general election.

Indubitably, Labourites are energised, inspired, and motivated. From an outside perspective, the rally seemed well-organised. The coordination was good. The graphics were nice, and the message was clear.

As a linguist, I often stress that more should be done to analyse political discourse. Yes, we have political analysts — often tainted by party affiliation — but from a linguistic lens, we need people to dissect speeches and use different theories to analyse them.

That is critical, because if we should scrutinise Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’s delivery on Sunday evening, many would agree that it was well done. Albeit that he might have had a list of points written down, it was hard to tell that he was reading. Nevertheless, he was able to convey his message with confidence, conciseness, and coherence.

Having led the country for the past nine years, it is clear that “1PM” is fully cognisant of where the country is and where he wants to take it. Holness is relatable, and his message of prosperity, partnership, protection, and productivity resonates with many, including the young ones. We saw a number of them at the rally. I caution, however, that crowds don’t will elections; votes do. Therefore, if the JLP really wants to secure its historic third term, the party must mobilise its transport mechanism on September 3.

Dr Holness is also serious about leaving no stone unturned. He has committed to campaign in all 63 constituencies, even those that are traditionally held by the People’s National Party (PNP). “Brogad” is right. As he has said, the notion of a “safe seat” in politics is quickly fading. People are voting based on work done and on a candidate’s capacity to deliver on his or her promises and manifestos.

The PNP is equally putting up a fight. The party has launched its manifesto and Comrades are looking to give their prime-minister-in-waiting, Mark Golding, his chance at Jamaica House.

However, the PNP needs to upscale its quality and not appear to be the “Poppyshow National Party”. In my estimation, the launch was uninspiring. Energy and motivation were missing. The young cohort of the party also seemed drowned by the senior members and supporters.

The manifesto itself seemed rushed. One of the first inconveniences is that it is not reader-friendly. The font is very fine. Who thought of this? The graphics and layout are unappealing. No doubt, there are some plausible plans in its manifesto, although many of them are a clear copy and paste of the JLP’s policies and plans.

The title of the manifesto, ‘Jamaica Love’, outlines the pillars that undergird the party’s plans. However, having campaigned for the past years on ‘Time Come’, it was a little awkward to see a change in their title.

Additionally, there are a couple orthographic and grammatical inaccuracies in the document. It is worth highlighting because the PNP was highly critical of a spelling error made in the JLP’s achievement booklet.

All in all, it is shaping up to be a very interesting election. We await the JLP’s manifesto. It was good that the party hosted a press conference to highlight the flaws in the PNP’s plans, but it would have been better if it had released its own manifesto as well. If it is truly ready, as Senator Kamina Johnson Smith says, why delay it?

Anyhow, the PNP says ‘Time Come’, but the JLP says it is ‘1PM’.

Oneil Madden

Maddenoniel@yahoo.com

People’s National Party President Mark Golding holds a copy of the party’s manifesto. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)