What’s your solution, Mrs Holness?

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I can’t believe that a sitting MP, wife of the PM, Mrs Juliet Holness, could tell an audience that “anywhere not safe to live, if Comrades live there”. I thought she meant unsafe in terms of violence. I later understood that she referred to the danger of elements, such as rain, flooding etc. Whether the risk and danger is from the elements, violence, health or hygiene, is it necessary to blame the other party that is not in control as the government? It is tribal politics to diss a political party and its leadership, while speaking about settlements within one’s constituency. A member of parliament represents the entire constituency, not just pockets where he or she has political support. We know that poverty is at the root of most problems in Jamaica, and people live where they live, because their limited resources reduce their options. Many of these settlements, as Holness correctly pointed out, lack proper sewage systems, access to water and electricity, features which are considered basic amenities to living. However, there must be other options than cursing the other party under the guise of being progressive, while the other party is not. How does this benefit anyone?

Mrs Holness was speaking at a JLP divisional meeting in a constituency headed by MP and Labour and Social Security Minister Karl Samuda. She went on to assert that politics is used to “influence the selection of unfit places for human settlement”. How would Mrs Holness describe the JLP stronghold of West Kingston? Is it safe there? And wasn’t the area influenced by politics? It is fair to say that every constituency in Jamaica has pockets of unsafe settlements. Politicians need to stop throwing blame when they can’t find solutions. Mrs Holness is an elected representative and a real estate developer, why not tap into the skills and resources and present some bold initiatives to help more Jamaicans move to more habitable and safe areas? She could begin in her own constituency and set an example for others to follow. Once we have positive solutions, we can throw stones and cast blame, and take full credit for any progress made. Until then, it is tribal politics, petty and irresponsible, as both parties are responsible for the development of settlements that are unsafe.

P. CHIN