Garth Rattray

I'm not a partisan individual and I have no relatives or bosom buddies in representational politics but I believe that the ruling People's National Party (PNP) risks being battered and 'Bruced' by the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in the next general election.

When no one is held accountable for repeated corruption, mismanagement, wastage and squandering of public funds (our hard-earned money), it reeks of overconfidence and disrespect for our people. When an administration commits several egregious 'mistakes' and no one offers to resign or is fired, it leads citizens to wonder who is more important, the people or the (supposed) servants of the people.

End result

Even if politicians believe that some decisions were for the good of the country, if the end result is loss of assets, loss of money and more hardships for us all, it bodes ill for the administration. Loans on top of loans on top of payback for loans coupled with the sale of controlling shares in some of our well-established companies give the impression that we have hit rock bottom and are desperately selling off everything in sight to foreigners for a quick buck (to pay back more loans).

Many people tell me that they are disenchanted with Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. They complain that she needs to demonstrate more involvement in the critical issues and that she becomes too vociferous and animated when it's time for a political quarrel (bangarang).

Furthermore, since the new Prime Minister took office on March 30, there's been an uncharacteristic quietude among some party members. This has quite a few people wondering if it denotes protracted sulking or mute protestation indicative of residual discord reverberating in the upper echelons of the PNP.

I believe that, having smelled blood, the JLP decided to embark on an early, aggressive election campaign. It may just pay off if they don't run out of funds, if the scandals, corruptions and waste keep coming and if the new Prime Minister doesn't begin to deliver on her numerous (albeit oftentimes unrealistic) promises (of food on every table, employment opportunities, peace and so on) made in the heat of the PNP presidential race.

Many disappointed citizens feel forsaken by this government so the JLP has been jumping at every opportunity to criticise the PNP administration. It has also donned the mantle of advocate (something Jamaicans desperately need) in an effort to establish empathy and to seek favour with our long-suffering people.

Significant force

Although the JLP has numerous problems, it is becoming a significant force. Problems like: (1) Mr. Golding's vacillation - having left the JLP, he formed the National Democratic Movement and then abandoned it. When the opportunity to lead the Opposition and perhaps eventually become Prime Minister of Jamaica arose, he went back to the JLP. (2) Their legendary squabbling and in-fighting and (3) JLP Members of Parliament who jump ship or cross the floor while casting aspersions in the wake of their very public exit.

Having spent 17 years in opposition cuts both ways. On the one hand, the JLP may well have been typecast as 'the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party' but, on the other hand, many people will have forgotten about the 'mistakes' that they made when they were in power.

I'm not doing the PNP any favours; they already know that too many Jamaicans are fearful and discontented. I only hope that they will see the JLP as a real threat and improve upon their performance so that we, the citizens, can benefit from their reform.

Dr. Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice.