Lance Neita | The true Gordon House legacy

AT LAST, a strong Opposition in the House. After five years of having their way, the Government benchers will find themselves facing a stronger Opposition, not just in numbers, but with renewed energy, sharp minds, vigour, and toe-to-toe.

Mark Golding’s Lower House team is reinvigorated with the likes of Messers Bunting, Crawford, and Campbell who have been kicking up a storm while outside of the House and on the four-yearlong campaign trail. Their presence will hopefully see Jamaica’s democracy excited by more sharper exchanges and debates focusing on issues rather than personalities, points fine-tuned, and no room for complacency from superiority in numbers.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) used their overwhelming majority to their advantage and on occasion rammed through legislation without due and proper participation from opposing views. Nevertheless, to its credit, and thanks to an office provided for the Opposition leader and his team, the democratic intent on giving the other side due attention has been maintained.

SEVERELY TESTED

Our democracy has been severely tested. In 1972, the government side outnumbered the Opposition overwhelmingly 37-16, and in 1976, 47-13. In 1980 the margin was 51-9. 1n 1989 it was 45-15, and in 2020, 49-14. The business of government was carried on regardless.

In the year 1983 following a snap election, the Opposition stayed out of the House, but Prime Minister Seaga made room for an Opposition comprised of civic and private sector representatives. Our democracy remained in place.

Opposition matters. In a 2020 column written in the aftermath of the 49-14 rout, what I wrote then, still applies today.

“The two-party system is the core of our democratic institution. In times like these we will need a strong Opposition.

“During this rebuilding period, and as they land on their feet, the Opposition must remember their duty to this country goes beyond their duty to party. They must understand that their duty is not just to oppose, but to constantly offer the people some form of an alternative government to the existing government.

“As their founder Norman Manley once said, ‘It is on this consideration that we find the highest value in the two-party system. The Opposition must provide a clear alternative in terms of policy and good governance so that there is always a real stimulus to respect and preserve democracy and the two-party system’”.

ROBUST OPPOSITION

In the ensuing years between 2020 and 2025, the PNP gradually formed themselves into a robust opposition aimed at providing that clear alternative advised by their founder in terms of policy, programmes, and governance. The result can be seen in the 15 seats regained in 2025.

Unfortunately, this path was blurred by the personal slings and arrows shot across the aisle. As we look to regaining sobriety in the House, we can only hope that both sides will seek to emphasise substance over style.

More moderation and maturity and where possible, more objectivity and less party considerations in making decisions. Nothing is more heart-warming than the current photographs in circulation of orange and green shirts celebrating together. In particular the young man in green who stopped to help repair his orange shirt friend’s bike on their way to the polling station.

Our pioneers who gave us an independence rooted in democracy, were not perfect but were men and women guided by values of patriotism, service, honesty, and their faith in God.

The George William Gordon House is justly named so that all who enter that building on Duke Street should know they are the inheritors of a legacy of the highest standards of public service.

The letter he wrote to his wife from his prison cell the night before his death is a literary gem which deserves compulsory reading in schools. It is a testimony, not to the cruelty of his demise, but to the hallmarks of true heroism which makes Gordon stand out as a leader and a martyr. His honesty, strength, and compassion is breathed into every word. A copy should be given to every member of parliament, both government and opposition, who enters that House.

“Say to all my friends an affectionate farewell; they must not grieve for I die innocently. Comfort your heart.

“It is however, the will of my Heavenly Father that I should thus be suffering obeying His command to relieve the poor and needy, to protect so far I was able, the oppressed, and glory be to His name.

“I have only been allowed one hour. I wish more time had been allowed. ... May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all”.

As said by the Honourable Olivia Babsy Grange in 2018, Gordon saw the role of parliament as an instrument and agency of the voice of the poor and oppressed – a voice for justice, social upliftment, and overall national development. That’s why we put them there.

Lance Neita is a political satirist and public relations professional. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and lanceneita@hotmail.com