Parliament without an effective opposition can create decadence

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The Gleaner editorial of September 8, titled ‘PM governance agenda needs clarity’, has a lot to declare for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in their way forward in fixing the ills of the country. The two-thirds majority allows the JLP to do virtually anything they want to do in expressing themselves as a party. The electorate have to be mindful of what could transpire if the opposition is weak. The mass media, and even social media, is now bound to play a much more significant role in ensuring that the Government doesn’t overrun its boundaries. We cannot accept everything the government throw on us telling us that it is right, when we are unable to exercise conventional wisdom.

The government will need to find a very effective mechanism to foster involvement of the opposition in the dynamic affairs in the running of the country. The need to remember that two heads are better than one. The JLP should never ever discount the possibilities of inclusiveness of the People’s National Party (PNP) for a much more diverse call for national development. With the current crises, as it relates to community spreading of the coronavirus, the party will need the added brainpower to make policies work with the integration of the ideas of the opposition PNP.

If we don’t make provision for the eradication of corrupt practices, we are going to be in for a warm time. The country will not grow, as stated by the pundits, if we don’t place a tap on crime and violence, which is taking our people whom we have invested in thoroughly. There is definitely going to be a remarkable challenge for Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ regime to fulfil the mandates of the recently proposed manifesto.

It is indicative that Mr Holness with his persona will make the best of the situation and come out unblemished after five years as leader of the country. I would also like the prime minister to work in tandem with the former JLP leader, Bruce Golding, to get the requisite moribund proposal of term limits to fruition.

PARIS TAYLOR

paristaylor82@

hotmail.com