Gordon Robinson | Rabble, rabble, squabble, squabble

As usual, Jamaica’s lack of leadership is showing.

It’s all rabble rabble, rabble, squabble, squabble. Lawyers representing a traumatised young lady squabble interminably over DPP’s ruling on every available media, instead of challenging it in court. All they’ve succeeded in doing is expose their client to more public humiliation. Media can’t give her legal relief. Yet, DPP is no better, as her habit of touting rulings far and wide encourages trial by media.

There must be a better way to conduct Jamaica’s affairs. Lawyers could start by avoiding making legal submissions on clients’ behalf except to a Judge. DPP can resist inserting herself into media hype, while leaving comment on DPP Rulings to third parties (including journalists).

But the latest, most embarrassing, example of this national proclivity was an unseemly row in the public thoroughfare on the way to the ceremonial opening of Parliament as George Wright sought to walk with comrades to the House. He was rebuked by putative PNP President and Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding, who labelled Wright’s action disrespectful and loudly alleged, “Is sen’ dem sen’ yuh fi do dis!”

It resembled a prep-school lunchroom spat featuring a ‘new boy’ trying to sit at the ‘cool kids’ table.

LACK OF CRITICAL THINKING

This is a shining example of the lack of critical thinking that passes for political discourse in Jamaica. Tribalists support or criticise Mark for his intemperate public outburst, depending on which political tribe they support. But both party leaders are to blame for this, although, bottom line, it’s Mark’s fault. He. Should. Have. Seen. This. Coming!

I wrote about the genesis of this childishness on November 16, 2021, ‘ Hoisted by his own petard!’:

“The Speaker, again seemingly suffering from political anxiety, overruled Mark Golding’s appropriate objections and ordered the Opposition to accept [George Wright] as a minority MP. As usual, MPs, whose sole qualification is the ability to rile up a crowd plied with liquor and curry goat then provide mass transport to the polls on election day, ignored the interests of those whose votes they begged, borrowed, bought, or pilfered to get the work.”

I pointed out the Speaker’s ruling ignored simple Constitutional principles:

“1. There’s no Government in Parliament. Parliament contains MPs. Government authority vests in Cabinet… .

2. PM is appointed by the governor general (GG) as the person commanding the SUPPORT of the majority of MPs.

3. Leader of the Opposition (appointed by GG) is the person who ‘is best able to command the SUPPORT ’ of MPs ‘who do not SUPPORT …Government’.

“It’s constitutionally impossible for an MP who publicly declares support for Government to be a ‘minority’ or ‘Opposition’ member. George Wright, now publicly hoisted with his own petard [following his Constituency Debate contribution], should be forced to sit with the majority … instead of staying put as an overt mole listening for news.”

GAME OF CHESS

The original blame lies with Andrew Holness for not doing a Pontius Pilate with Wright. George’s resignation from JLP signalled Holness was sure of Wright’s guilt in the viral video fiasco (or, at least, of his unsuitability to be MP), whether or not Wright is actually guilty. PM should’ve immediately named a JLP Caretaker then called a By-Election.

It’s unfair to pass the buck to Mark Golding. But the buck stops with Mark, to whom it was in fact passed. He fumbled it. Instead of standing his ground and insisting George be seated with the Majority, he folded like an accordion and wimped (oops, sorry, ‘walked’) away. So he can expect more public discomfiture like he felt on Duke Street.

Next time, Mark might try maturity. Kenny Rogers knew when to walk away. Mark seems clueless. He shouldn’t have walked away from the Speaker’s ruling. He should’ve walked away from Thursday’s street brawl. It’s strategically inept to be as surprised as he was. Chess players anticipate several moves ahead. If you can’t play chess, don’t try playing politics.

Peace and Love!

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.