Having recently assessed the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and Dr Andrew Holness’s Cabinet, it is only fair and advisable that I should put the spotlight on the People’s National Party (PNP) and Mark Golding’s shadow Cabinet.

Its key role is to provide scrutiny, closely examining, questioning, and challenging the policies of the Government. Members of the shadow Cabinet are also expected to develop and propose alternative laws and strategies for their assigned policy areas. Finally, and most importantly, they should act as an organised alternative Administration ready to take office if their party wins the next election.

It is to be noted, however, that a shadow Cabinet has no authority, but each person is usually assigned to shadow a particular ministry/minister, all of whom are chosen by the Leader of Opposition.

Based on the information gleaned from the PNP’s website, Opposition Leader Mark Golding is responsible for defence and constitutional affairs in addition to economic development. Quite frankly, there is not much to assess with respect to defence. Apart from the occasional whining and complaining about the stance taken by the prime minister, he has not added much by way of substance, a more aggressive as well as assertive approach, and a greater level of public discourse.

Economic development is a wide subject area which should be compartmentalised rather than being subjected to this omnibus approach. So while he has from time to time zeroed in on this critical area of national life, the nation continues to ask, “Where is the beef?” Against this backdrop, he ends up with a C+.

Julian Robinson is indeed a minister of finance and the public service in waiting. His calm, well-researched, and forceful presentations both inside and outside of the House of Parliament shows that he clearly has his finger on the fiscal pulse of the country and has displayed a far greater understanding than the portfolio minister, Fayval Williams. He deserves an A.

Peter Bunting is supposed to be in charge of productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. The less said here, the better. This appears to be a cosmetic exercise which looks good on paper that quite appropriately has left the Manchester Southern Member of Parliament, for the most part, speechless. His leader, Golding, ought to provide him with a more clearly defined and pragmatic portfolio. He gets C for hanging in there and not complaining!

Dr Dayton Campbell has the most challenging portfolio of agriculture, fisheries, and food security. He has so far approached his task with much gusto and a sincerity of purpose, even getting his hands dirty (no pun intended) by dabbling in farming. He has shown that he is up to the task and has been a good foil to Minister Floyd Green. He gets a B+.

Anthony Hylton is the trade, industry, and global logistics spokesperson. So far, he has made meaningful contributions in his quiet, unassuming but assertive approach, which has added much to the discourse surrounding that critical portfolio, especially given the current topsy-turvy scenario unfolding on the world stage, thanks in part to an enigmatic United States President Donald Trump. He is, therefore, rewarded with a B.

Phillip Paulwell continues to be a major asset to the PNP’s shadow Cabinet and is most suitable for the portfolio of energy and telecommunications. To put it bluntly, he knows his stuff and brings much institutional knowledge and vision to that portfolio. Definitely one of the PNP’s bright hopes for a future lean and mean Cabinet. He deserves a B+.

Newcomer Andrea Purkiss, tourism and linkages, is still going through a learning curve and could do with some well-needed help from former PNP Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeil. She has started out rather shakily, but shows much potential for the future. She gets C+ for trying hard.

Julian Robinson (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

The queen of the south, Nekeisha Burchell, must be wary of not getting easily carried away by her excessive energy and youthful exuberance. She obviously loves and has embraced her portfolio of creative industries and information. She has great potential and is the right fit for that area. She has started with a bang, but must be wary of not fizzling out too soon. She deserves a B.

New kid on the block Christopher Brown appears to be a right fit for the portfolio of science, technology and digital transformation and human development. However, apart from some impressive interventions in the House, he needs to focus more on policy and pursue the relevant ministers/ministries in a more sustained and constructive way. He does come to the table with good credentials, so it is time for him to shine. he gets a C+.

Dr Angela Brown Burke, social protection and social transformation. Yet another example of a title that does not value much in the current scheme of things. Dr Brown Burke needs to implement a public education programme to sensitise the wider public on exactly who or what she is protecting and transforming. She has the academic background and on the ground experience to be an asset to any future PNP Cabinet, but for now, the country needs to know exactly what is required of her. C+ for being there.

Damion Crawford is so far the best shadow minister/spokesperson in the Golding pack. Brimming with ideas and possessing a fearless approach to making a difference, he remains a valuable asset. He definitely gets an A+.

Dr Alfred Dawes.

Health and wellness spokesperson Dr Alfred Dawes has been an effective, credible force to be reckoned with and will make an excellent minister of health and wellness when the right time comes. He approaches his task with sincerity and passion, the stuff that good politicians are made of. A for him.

Wavell Hinds, labour and sports, has had a rocky start and must do more in-depth research before opening his mouth. He has potential, but needs guidance. He has earned C+.

Denise Daley, gender, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, made a most impressive and impassioned presentation during the sectoral debate. She has displayed the emotional intelligence and compassion to be in charge of such a portfolio. B+ for her.

Fitz Jackson, national security, is a senior parliamentarian who comes to his role with a great deal of credibility, quiet confidence and is undoubtedly a patriot. He is well reasoned and succinct in his utterances. He commands attention with a B+.

All in all, this current crop is an impressive team. The PNP is undoubtedly coming out of the shadows (no pun intended). Selah!

Lloyd B Smith has been involved in Jamaican media for the past 50 years. He has also served as a People’s National Party 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 lbsmith4@gmail.com.