Garth Rattray

There was a lot at stake during the October 30, 1980 General Election. The People's National Party (PNP), under the leadership of Prime Minister Michael Manley, was pursuing a policy of democratic socialism. Many believed that the PNP's orange was taking on too much of a reddish hue. Staying the socialist course, scarce basic commodities and a fear of outright communism sent the PNP crashing to a record 51-to-nine-seat defeat. Today the ruling PNP persists in referring to each other as 'Comrade', their socialist days are long gone.

The 1980 General Election represented a literal (left or right) fork in the road for Jamaica. This upcoming, (August 27, 2007) general election obviously has no such ideological principles at stake; however, the impending contest means different things to different people. What is it to you? Is it, a contest between a grass roots leader and one with middle-class roots; a contest between the female gender coming of age and undeserved male dominance; a contest between an 18-year administration plagued by controversies, scandals, debt and a high crime rate and a political party deserving of a chance at the helm; a contest between a government that is doing as well as any government could in the prevailing global economic environment and a political party with 18 years of 'ring rust'; a contest between those who are stealing and those that want their chance to steal, or a simply contest between PNP and JLP without regard for issues or principles?

'Links' and handouts

Unfortunately, not enough Jamaicans vote on issues, and the majority of people who plan to vote have already made their choice. People tend to vote along party lines established by family, associates, community or enlightened self-interest. This is why, for instance, the PNP could audaciously put up Ms. Lisa Hanna to represent them in South East St. Ann at the very last moment. The propensity to vote based on personal gains transcends social class. At one extreme, the very rich depend on huge contracts and/or political 'links' for survival while at the other, the very poor depend on handouts.

Campaigning has been devoid of realism, light on issues, heavy on promises and hype and so puerile that it insults our collective intelligence. In their quest for power, politicians are once again pandering to the uninformed and sacrificing the much-needed illumination of our people. The PNP needs to present new and specific plans to get the guns off the streets, reduce crime and stimulate economic growth. And, as a friend suggested, instead of using out-of-context quotes to lambaste the PNP, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) should present their shadow ministers with their qualifying attributes and relevant coherent action plans for the development of our country.

In my opinion, there is more at stake in this upcoming general election than has been for a very long time. Many feel that it is detrimental for any party to remain in power for so long; however, others feel that the Opposition has not made a strong enough case for a chance to govern. A PNP win would indicate a satisfaction with our present state of affairs and all that it entails; and a JLP win would signal a loss of confidence in the current administration and a belief that the Opposition is not only capable of taking charge, but also of doing a better job. If we are to develop, we must abandon die-hard politics and selfishness and vote for what we think is best for Jamaica.