Laundry list for politicians

Though she's between "35 and 40" years old, Patreena Bailey-Green has never voted. And the internal auditor has a lot to say about why that is so.

I have never seen the benefit involved in voting as, in my opinion, persons who get the majority votes or seats are not necessarily the best choice for the country.

Even with mechanisms like the Electoral Commission in place to facilitate free and fair polls, I still believe it may very well be that the person I would vote for has not yet entered the realm of politics.

I would vote for someone who has a passion for wanting to serve the people of Jamaica, is highly competent and transparent. I would vote for someone who has a real interest in the development of my country, not an interest geared towards fulfilling a personal agenda.

Whereas my family has voted for both major political parties in the past, I have not thought of following suit. I believe if I am told to 'jump', I should be able to ask 'why' instead of 'how high'. I have always believed in making informed decisions and being able to justify why I have made such decisions. To date, I do not have a conviction to vote for either of the major parties.

Where's your manifesto?

A party would need to show me that it is serious about a number of situations that exist in my country, and what plans it has in place to ensure a complete turnaround, albeit, over time, in the economic crisis, corruption, crime, unemployment and underemployment.

No doubt, the blame can never be placed on one government concerning the current state of the country. Therefore, it will take a collective effort in order to transform this country. I want to see our political parties put the nation's interest before their own.

Parliament, at times, is transformed into a marketplace with members hurling unkind words at their colleagues. We need representation, not confrontation. I want to see a government that is serious about holding persons accountable for their actions, irrespective of status. When persons are treated according to their status, it reduces the people's confidence in our justice system, and that needs to be addressed.

Engage youth, fight crime

I would vote for a party that increases the drive to engage our youth in becoming positive contributors to society. One of the main conditions that challenge economic growth is crime, and that needs to be seriously attacked. It is disheartening to note that a number of crimes taking place in society are perpetrated by persons in their teens to early 20s.

Overall, the political process can be improved by individuals being genuine in their quest to form the next government to institute lasting, positive change. Gone should be the days when social needs are mostly attended to in the lead-up to an election, only to resurface after the five-year term has ended, and the cycle continues.

The Jamaican people, too, have a big role to play in ensuring that they are not easily swayed by persuasive politicians. What Jamaica needs now are people who will not condone slackness but who will call a spade a spade. What Jamaica needs now are men and women of integrity who know what is right and will do what is right.