By Elgin Taylor, ContributorTHE GENERAL Elections are now over and done, the people have spoken albeit a minority and the process of introspection and renewal can now begin. This however may be easier said than done as the effects of a campaign, which figured mostly on personalities rather than issues will be hard to expunge. Arguably the Jamaica Labour Party received the greatest portion of this mud-slinging, although some contend they largely provided the means. Most of it was directed at Edward Phillip George Seaga who at this point is perhaps the most maligned politician ever in this country.
It was a campaign replete with bleeps and blunders, notable among them the slip by the hapless Christopher Tufton and the cameo performance by Roger Clarke. Many people frowned on the PNP's hatching of the Samuda episodes and the relentless drubbing of Edward Seaga. We saw too a somewhat negative portrayal of the singing talent of a P.J. Patterson and the tasteless outburst from Portia Simpson Miller. Outbursts of a seemingly sinister nature also came from Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and the spunky Shahine Robinson.
Of course most of these advertisements were taken out of context but the purpose was to create doubts about the credibility and suitability of one's opponent. The Political Ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair, was correct in asking for the withdrawal of a number of these ads. But this withdrawal should have been unconditional. They should not have reappeared in any shape or form. Nonetheless the damage, such as there be would have already been done.
MASS MEETINGS
The mass meetings of both major political parties lived up to expectations, especially the two at Half-Way Tree and the one at Sam Sharpe Square. As pointed out by a number of commentators and analysts, they served to create a 'feel good' atmosphere, to energise or vibes up the party. At these meetings, both candidates and constituents could be seen enjoying themselves, or to use a phrase employed recently by Dr. Paul Ashley, they were 'in their ackee', performing moves that would make dance-move creator Bogle, jealous. The only problem was the violence, which seems to follow such celebrations.
However, some of the speeches were good as they dealt with issues as they face the Jamaican people or point to achievements of administrations past and present. One aspect though, which was given scant attention by the media generally, is the one by Edward Seaga in which he outlined his status as a Jamaican and his allegiance to the country. It was important to me from the standpoint that as a Jamaican, he felt constrained or saw it necessary to do so. This against the background that he has had to contend with racial slurs on a continuous basis, even though he has lived here virtually all his life and has given over forty years of sterling service to this country. I think it is sad, and we should all be ashamed. The media generally referred to the speech as 'reflective', which was the extent of it. No one in this country, white, black or pink, or any shade should be so
treated.
THE MUSIC
The music for both the JLP and the PNP was excellent. There were the popular music forms of reggae and calypso and some genre yet to be categorised. The JLP struck a tender chord with many people with the soul-searching gospel songs.
The music accompanying the radio and television ads was good. The PNP's advertisement with clips of the candidates and achievements was my son's favourite; he had high praise on how everything blended together, the graphics and all. The JLP's advertisement which tells about one voice on the mountain but a thousand bells ringing on ascending it was my daughter's favourite. Overall, the tunes were catchy and everybody had their choices.
WHITHER THE INTELLECTUALS?
Ian Boyne and Dr. D.K. Duncan in a pre-election discussion on television, bemoaned hypocrisy among intellectuals with regards to their commentary and analysis of our political culture. They were speaking on the matter of the message and the messenger in reference to Edward Seaga. Of course, many of these intellectuals are products of the University of the West Indies, partly named, some may say, by Wilmot 'Mutty' Perkins as the 'intellectual ghetto'. I am not in total agreement with him, having been attended that institution and seen the contribution made by many of its graduates. However, one is left to wonder when one listens or reads what comes from a number of these persons as to whether Mutty doesn't have a valid point. These persons in academia should be the ones to interpret and re-interpret issues, informing and educating the public both here in Jamaica and the region. Instead, what these commentators were saying on television is that basically they were practising intellectual dishonesty. For instance, a section of the public must have found it puzzling over these years that whenever Eddie Seaga is quiet, they say he has gone too quiet for an opposition leader, yet when he speaks they brand him as confrontational.
CREDIBILITY
Who can boast of credibility in this past election when all pre-campaign promises of things that would not be used against one's opponent was thrown to the wind as the race for the hustings gathered momentum? Certainly not the politicians. It was not only Bruce Golding who may have put his credibility on the line, others have too. Sections of the media were not to be outdone in this credibility race. Let's take, for instance, a closer look at Bruce Golding's re-entry into the fold of the JLP. There was much ado and hullabaloo as he said he expected. He gave his explanations, especially with regards to his former NDM colleagues... then, all of a sudden, a star was born in the form of Brascoe Lee spitting venom left, right, and centre at his former leader and friend.
As for polls and pollsters - a weatherman's prediction that we are going to have snow for Christmas all over the island would be more plausible than any pollster predicting the outcome of any elections ever again in this country. Wilmot 'Mutty' Perkins is fond of reiterating that a poll is a snap shot taken at a particular moment in time. Well, the recent polling represented snapshots before time. Sounds like blasphemy? Well, as a Christian, I hope not.
However, in terms of political analysis and commentary I believe that Dr. D.K. Duncan is head and shoulders above the others in terms of balance, honesty and objectivity.
TIME FOR HEALING
Prime Minister Percival James Patterson is said to have delivered a sober acceptance speech as he called for the unity of the nation. This is imperative at this time. We are at a delicate point in our history and many a scar have resulted from this campaign. But we are a resilient and I should think, forgiving people. We must each play our part. The Church must now wake up and play its part... collectively.
From the days of the missionaries, George William Gordon, Deacon Bogle and probably even before, the Church has been playing its part in national affairs. The problem is that it has been mainly on individual basis, not with one voice. Recently individuals like, Rev. Al Miller, Fathers Richard Ho Lung and Richard Albert have been expressing their concerns. The private sector seems to be early on the ball, which is good. We may need a declaration of a week of prayer and a day or two of fasting whether by the state or any of these bodies.
It was said that on winning the 1980 General Election Edward Seaga called his pastor and said 'come let us pray'. Let us seek the help of God and do so urgently. The Governor-General, a born-again Christian can take the lead.
Elgin Taylor M.Ed is a teacher and freelance writer.
