Heather Robinson There appears to be only one date that most Jamaicans have on their mind at this time. It is not their birthday, neither it is their retirement day. Some are no longer interested in their wife's delivery date, and there are others who have no concern about the back-to-school date. The date that the majority of us want to know is the election date. But alas, there is only one person who can properly and correctly give us that date! She is the Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller.
The Opposition spends a great deal of time now trying to force the Prime Minister to name the date, and those in the People's National Party (PNP) spend some time trying to guess her next move. But, there is inJamaica at this time, many who have never heard a prime minister name an election date, and from all appearances, it seems as if some have forgotten how it is done.
The announcement is usually made in a public place where party supporters are gathered, and it is transmitted live by the electronic media for all Jamaica to hear. So, those who have been wondering whether it would have been done in Mandeville, Brown's Town, Sam Sharpe Square or in any other place where the Prime Minister addressed a large crowd of supporter were disappointed.
Common sense and decency dictate that the Prime Minister will inform the country and the media that on a particular date, place and time, she would announce the dates for nomination and election.
There, therefore, is no need to continue the speculation as to where she will make the announcement. Every Jamaican who listens, watches or reads will know when that date is, and can place themselves in a position to hear it live, either by being present at the meeting, or by listening, watching or later reading.
But what has been our history of election dates from our first general election in 1944 to our last in 2002? There have been 14 such elections. The Jamaica Labour Party has the record for being in government for the longest period, which was between December 16, 1983 to February 9, 1989, depending on how one views the start and end of the term of office.
The PNP spent the shortest term in office, under Norman Manley, between July 29, 1959, to April 10, 1962.
The records also show that only once was a general election held in July and that was in 1959, and that no general election has ever been held in May, June, August, September or November. The table at right tells it all.
Tuesday (6) is the most popular day, followed by Thursday (5) and Wednesday is last, with three (3). December is the most popular month (5), followed by February, with three, October is third, with two, and all other months with one, including July.
Those who believe they can predict the date the Prime Minister will name, can go ahead with the assurance that it is she and she alone who has this right and responsibility.
Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and former Member of Parliament.
DATES OF GENERAL ELECTIONS 1944-2002
| Year | Date | Day |
| 1944 | December 14 | Thursday |
| 1949 | December 20 | Tuesday |
| 1955 | January 12 | Wednesday |
| 1959 | July 28 | Tuesday |
| 1962 | April 10 | Tuesday |
| 1967 | February 21 | Tuesday |
| 1972 | February 29 | Tuesday |
| 1976 | December 15 | Wednesday |
| 1980 | October 30 | Thursday |
| 1983 | December 15 | Thursday |
| 1989 | February 9 | Thursday |
| 1993 | March 30 | Tuesday |
| 1997 | December 18 | Thursday |
| 2002 | October 16 | Wednesday |
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