The Editor, Sir:
The PNP has taken the unfortunate and regrettable position that the electorate does not speak on behalf of all Jamaicans. The JLP has been given a mandate to govern the country for the next five years with the understanding that certain reforms must be immediately implemented to regain public trust and bring back an acceptable level of integrity to the governance of the country.
Rather than welcoming the opportunity to work together to bring about much-needed change, Jamaicans have been greeted with legal action in an attempt to discredit the election and overturn the results. There have been rumblings about the narrow margin of victory, and predictions that the PNP with the assistance of the Supreme Court will be reinstalled within the next six months. When will they accept that for the next five years they will sit on the side of the House reserved for the Opposition?
The former interim Prime Minister did not receive a mandate from the people, and ruled the country for 18 months. The timing of the election was not a function of any pressure on the former Prime Minister, rather she carefully chose the date. Why then, even before the new government is sworn in, there is this suggestion that a 33 to 27 majority will result in ineffective leadership and poor governance. Why should the JLP go to the polls anytime soon having got an unmistakable mandate to change course.
The Jamaican people have accepted the results of the election. The PNP must also do so, and stop being spoiled brats. No one has a birthright to govern indefinitely, not in Jamaica anyway.
May I suggest that the PNP spend this period of time-out wisely, grooming young intelligent people in the Senate, to eventually continue the much needed constitutional reforms. Additionally, the Buntings and others who have no real interest in representation at the constituency level should make way for people who have the Jamaican people's interest at heart.
I am, etc.,
KIRK BARROW
1D Braemar Ave
Kingston 10
Via Go-Jamaica
kabarrow@hotmail.com
