Time to move forward, JLP

Suzanne Leslie-Bailey, GUEST COLUMNIST

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has kicked off its yearlong celebration to mark its 70th anniversary. This is not only an ideal opportunity for the party to place in the public domain all of its outstanding achievements over these years, but also a chance to strengthen its rebirth and rejuvenation process. As part of this process, the current leader of the JLP, Andrew Holness, has been steadfast in his stance that he will lead his party and country into a new era of politics, by bringing a new style of political leadership to the table.

Some persons have viewed Mr Holness' new approach with scepticism. This mature, cerebral, non-confrontational, yet firm approach to leadership is unfamiliar, especially for an opposition leader. 'Rabble-rousing', rude and immature political barbs and 'opposing, just for the sake of opposing' are what the people have become accustomed to. After all, "a politics, a so di ting set".

Well, for the sake of the country, it is time that the politics be reset. The time has come for the poisonous and inimical way in which our politics is practised to become a thing of the past.

radically new ideas

The JLP must open its doors and let in the fresh air of radically new ideas, procedures and personnel. Respectfully, some persons in positions within the organisation must be retired in the interest of the party, if it wants to present itself as reformed and re-energised. This is a delicate undertaking, but must be done!

The JLP must also acknowledge the elephant in the room. Divisiveness has characterised and dogged the JLP for too long, and possibly cost it the opportunity to govern in the past. This is the time for the JLP to confront these issues. If there are divisive forces in the JLP, they must be ejected. The door must be slammed shut on any persons or groups who seek to divide and undermine the party.

In any political organisation, persons will harbour political aspirations, and are free to pursue these within the confines of a healthy democratic process. However, if subterfuge and underhanded practices are part of their modus operandi to achieving leadership then they have already proven themselves unworthy. How will such a person unite the political party? More importantly, how will such a person unite a country and purge it of this scourge of political tribalism? How will such a person place country above self, when his or her own personal political ambitions run so dangerously amok?

The demonisation of some of its past leaders is another challenge that the JLP must confront. Former leader and Prime Minister Edward Seaga was criticised for his leadership style and creating factions in the JLP. Despite his perceived shortcomings, Seaga has left in his wake a rich legacy of social engineering and institution building, as well as a firm footing for the country's economic success.

The JLP continues to be haunted by the ghost of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, and the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. Persons have laid the blame at the feet of former Prime Minister Bruce Golding. This has given political ammunition to the People's National Party and resulted in some Jamaicans experiencing a range of negative emotions. I urge them to not let these emotions mask the worth of Bruce Golding. This former prime minister - with one of the brightest minds to have graced the political stage, used firm hands to guide the country through the turbulent waters of the global recession - the worst since the Great Depression. During Golding's tenure, Jamaica enjoyed a stable exchange rate, low interest rates, healthy Net International Reserves and an approximately 40 per cent reduction in crime.

grave mistakes have been made

I acknowledge that grave mistakes have been made, with dire consequences; but I appeal to persons not to engage in the blame game. I am in no way advocating that persons give blind, mindless support to a political party or leader. However, if one chooses to be part of an organisation, one must have pride in and commitment to that organisation and its leadership and seek to secure its success. If members of a political party do not value their own history, tenets, achievements and leaders, then who will? It will then be a difficult task convincing others of their worth.

I encourage the JLP to not let the dark clouds of the past block the sunshine of its sterling achievements. Happy 70th birthday, JLP!

Suzanne Leslie-Bailey is a law student and former research coordinator to Bruce Golding. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and svclb@msn.com