All I want from Mr Holness ...

I don't know much about the 'Favourite Labourite', but I have a few concerns and a single request from him as prime minister.

Paradoxically, the things that made him popular, like his enormous and abiding yen to be prime minister, comes across as self-actualisation (from Maslow's hierarchy of needs - "What a man can be, he must be").

He also comes across as being highly political - which makes him very electable but also polarises his vision. I worry that it could render him susceptible to some degree of ethical challenge when trying to decide between what's good for his politics and what's good for our country.

Although Dr Christopher Tufton is seen as a National Democratic Movement defector, he comes with fewer 'political issues'. And, his recent statements seemed more focused on Jamaica (instead of personal aspirations or political party) - something Mr Holness may want to emulate.

Even though many people have issues with his leadership style, Mr Holness is obviously a very hard worker who takes his job and assignments extremely seriously. I believe that he has good intentions, is efficient, and listens to complaints from the lowest person on the totem pole. I know of individuals who have intercepted him during his busy day, and he dealt with their concerns without hesitation.

However, I think he fumbled the ball when he demonstrated too much authoritativeness and tenacity regarding his appointment of Mr Alphansus Davis (his senior adviser as minister of education), as chair of the Teachers' Service Commission.

Although Mr Davis' integrity and ability were never in question, the dual posts certainly seemed to represent a conflict of interest. A day after Bruce Golding announced the imminent vacancy of party leader and prime minister, Mr Davis suddenly took the decision to step down as senior adviser to Mr Holness, "in the interest of the education sector". Frankly, I believe that it was in the interest of Mr Holness' ascension to PM.

Politics as usual

I absolutely disagree with the youth issue that Mr Golding proffered as being a requisite for modern-day leadership. Youth may impart energy and vibrancy, but someone tutored and immersed in our old-school politics, like Mr Holness, will likely practise politics as usual.

A country doesn't necessarily need a youthful leader; it needs a leader with new and youthful ideas and attitudes (from him/herself or from his/her youthful-thinking advisors). The Government's performance is being heavily criticised on political platforms in anticipation of a new and youthful Jamaica Labour Party leadership and a possible early general election.

However, in all fairness, it must be viewed in light of the economic challenges being faced across the globe. Bigger countries are in the throes of massive financial adjustments, strikes and demonstrations, because of the prevailing monetary constraints. Mere criticisms and empty promises cannot sway uncommitted, thinking voters; the People's National Party needs to present solid and workable proposals in order to remain competitive.

Bearing in mind the gravity of the tests that we are about to face, people want to feel confident that Mr Holness will always put the country before his politics - something that some leaders have failed to do in the past. People want to know that the prime minister is the leader of the country above all else, and that the post of party leader comes in a very, very distant second.

For however long Mr Holness' tenure as PM lasts, I hope that he honours his "contract with the people of Jamaica", wherein he promised to "serve you, with all my heart, all my strength, all my vigour, all my mental capacity, with fairness and integrity, with love and empathy, with fairness and fearlessness".

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and garthrattray@gmail.com.