What will become even more noticeable in the new Parliament is the fading of the old guard and the emergence of what I would describe as a more robust and energetic youth leadership.

I am very heartened by the number of women who have been elected to the Parliament. I believe that the political glass ceiling has been permanently shattered and I certainly am not prepared to shed a single tear for this being so. I believe their presence will not only promote equanimity, but well-meaning balance and depth that are often lacking in Parliament. At least one depends on them to do this.

Tribute must be paid to those who have served and are now in the twilight of their years, some way beyond normal retirement age. We appreciate their contribution to their country. It is not often stated that those who take up political leadership as a career do so with an intense passion to serve their country. This is more than just patriotism, but is often governed by a sense of personal duty and honour. The fact that mistakes are made over the years in the pursuit of this duty does not nullify the sacred intent that imbued many of them and which motivated them to serve.

Seeking political leadership in Jamaica, or anywhere else for that matter, is not, and should not be, an easy choice. Many go in with a sort of fervour to serve but soon find the fire of their enthusiasm extinguished by vicious criticisms and attacks on their persons. Many sully their own reputation by getting their fingers too close to the cookie jar. Many take for granted the honour that has been bestowed upon them by the citizens who elected them to office. They often sacrifice the privilege to serve on the altars of self-aggrandizement and personal wealth. But many others serve with an intense love for country and really wanting to do something for their country which can stand up well in the history books. It is not always about narcissism as some would aver. Some genuinely see this as a path to make a difference. I put Jamaica Labour Party Leader Dr Andrew Holness in this category of politicians.

Political leadership, properly understood and executed, is hard work. When you become a Member of Parliament and then go on to be a minister of Government, if you are serious about your mission, you will know that there is a great deal of hard work to be done. You miss out on family and personal things that you would want to engage. It is as if a part of your personal life has been put on suspension; you certainly will not recover a great deal of what has been lost.

So I can understand the redoubtable Member of Parliament-elect Daryl Vaz seeing this election as his last stand at the wicket. There comes a time when one is called to undertake self-analysis and reflect on one’s life and destiny. It has become clear to the minister that, while he cannot recoup the “lost” years, he can at least use the remaining years of his allotment to engage himself and his family at a level that he was not able to in the daily cut and thrust of his political life. Lest any mischief be proffered, it must be noted that he made this decision to leave representational politics long before his hard-working and resilient wife lost her seat.

Often, people are not mindful or not even respectful of the hard work that a genuine political representative has to do on their behalf. Their expectations of what they are able to do are often god-like. The politicians themselves often fuel this narrative by promising far more than their flesh and blood limitation allows. While we expect much from this new, soon-to-be announced Government, a temperance of expectations would be in order. Yes, we must hold its feet to the fire, but we must realise that its success is also a function of how we, as citizens, undertake our civic duty to make our lives better. It is not left to the politicians alone to do this.

One hopes that the new parliamentary year will begin with a deep sense of the sacred honour that has been bestowed upon parliamentarians as premier leaders of the country. I am not encouraged by the post-election posture of the People’s National Party (PNP) in questioning the results of the election, yet not providing one shred of evidence to support any notion that we did not have a free and fair election, one free from fear. If there is such evidence, bring it to the proper authorities so they can be addressed and, if necessary, adjudicated in the courts. Opinions are not facts, however unimpeachable one may consider these opinions to be.

In respecting the sacred honour that has been afforded to them, one hopes that the belligerence that was on display on the political platforms in the run-up to the elections will be a thing of the past. This is not behaviour that should be regurgitated in Parliament. As citizens, we look for robust debate with basic decency and respect emanating from both sides of the aisle. I do not think that this is too much to ask of those who came to us for a job.

Dr Marlene Street Forrest

This column would like to pay tribute to Dr Marlene Street Forrest for the sterling work she did as head of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). As she goes into retirement from that space, we acknowledge her indomitable spirit in leading the exchange to the heights it reached. On two occasions under her leadership the exchange received the distinction of being the best stock exchange in the world. Her knowledge of and expertise in the capital markets are unquestionable.

She can leave her office justly proud of her achievements and that the exchange is in a much better place than when she became its leader. We wish her well for the future and that she will continue to afford the nation access to her remarkable expertise and knowledge. Walk good to a well-deserved retirement.

Dr Raulston Nembhard is a priest, social commentator, and author of the books Finding Peace in the Midst of Life’s Storms; Your Self-esteem Guide to a Better Life, and Beyond Petulance: Republican Politics and the Future of America. He hosts a podcast — Mango Tree Dialogues — on his YouTube channel. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or stead6655@aol.com.

Daryl Vaz Photo: JIS

Marlene Street Forrest Joseph Wellington