Letter of the Day | Choose Jamaica beyond slogans and party lines

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As Jamaica moves steadily toward the next general election, Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ call to “Choose Jamaica” strikes an emotional chord. It is a powerful phrase, meant to rally national pride. But beneath the surface, it invites a deeper question: what does it mean to choose Jamaica?

It must be more than a campaign tagline or a partisan plea. Choosing Jamaica cannot be about colours, personalities, or political legacy. It must be a call to principle over popularity, substance over showmanship, and country over comfort.

In recent weeks, the Jamaica Labour Party’s general secretary admitted that only 35 of their 49 seats are considered confirmed. This isn’t just a political calculation – it’s a signal of national mood. Jamaicans are not blindly loyal. Many are disillusioned, not necessarily by opposition messaging, but by what they perceive as neglect, entitlement, and underperformance among their elected officials.

We are seeing roads being built and some infrastructure development taking shape. But we also see broken communities, inconsistent representation, and basic services failing. Too many members of parliament show up in the spotlight, but are absent in the shadows – when the real, often unglamorous, work of nation-building takes place.

Far too often, political candidacy is granted based not on merit, mission, or community trust, but on familial connections, loyalty to party bosses, or name recognition. That culture has created a breed of politician who views public office as a personal reward rather than a public responsibility. The result is a loss of public trust – and, in many cases, public patience.

To “choose Jamaica” must mean rejecting the politics of entitlement and embracing ‘servant-leadership’. We must champion those who see politics not as a platform for ego, but as a sacred duty to serve. These are the leaders who lead with humility, listen before they speak, and labour consistently without seeking applause.

Choosing Jamaica means choosing accountability. It means supporting candidates based on character, track record, and a clear, people-centred vision for the future – not simply party affiliation or empty charisma.

Let us not remain loyal to those who have failed us simply because of history or habit. Let our loyalty lie with Jamaica’s future. Our votes must reflect values, not vanity; substance, not sound bites.

Perhaps, unintentionally, the prime minister’s call to “Choose Jamaica” carries a challenge to his own party: that not all will survive the scrutiny of a truly discerning electorate.

The next chapter of Jamaica’s story must not be written by those who speak the loudest or spend the most, but by those who serve quietly, work diligently, and love this country unconditionally.

LEVAR MCLEOD