Why I'm supporting Shaw

Delroy Warmington, Guest Columnist

When Andrew Holness was selected as head of the JLP, I was gushing with adolescent glee. I was extremely elated. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was premature.

By his performance, I think the party has put up a middleweight in a heavyweight fight. The public needs someone who is going to be on their side, who will advocate on their behalf. Mr Holness has shirked this responsibility.

Mr Holness needs to get a thick skin and a strong backbone. The Simpson Miller administration has demonstrated its inability to get the Jamaican economy on the right track. Based on its policies, any growth in the economy will be benign and nascent at best. Remember, these are the same folks who lost 80 per cent of the value of the Jamaican dollar; moreover, they were only able to grow the economy 10 per cent since 1993. They have no clue about growing the economy.

Mr Shaw has consistently illustrated that he has the acumen to make this a reality. It would be nice if Mr Shaw had been more forceful in pointing out the draconian terms of the IMF agreement. There is nothing in this agreement which is going to stimulate growth and enhance job creation.

On taxes, the World Bank rate Jamaica 168 out 189 in the ease of collecting taxes. The people with money in Jamaica do pay their fair share. It falls on the teachers, policeman, clerks and others to bear the burden. Both Mr Holness and Mr Shaw need to tell us how they plan to eliminate this inequity.

My major grouse with Mr. Holness is that he refuses to hold the Government to account for the sorrowful state of the economy. Under the PNP, the economy always goes into a spasm. They have brought Jamaica to the edge of the economic precipice, yet Mr Holness has neglected to be the voice of the masses and demand solutions from our Government.

Holness 'soft'

It is obvious to a blind man why the PNP wants Mr Holness as the leader of the JLP. They seem to push him around like an empty paper bag. Mr Shaw would not allow this.

It would be nice if Mr Holness would find out from our beloved prime minister why she is making so many overseas trips. She seems to average a monthly overseas trip. Let her justify these trips. The austerity imposed on the nation should be borne by all.

Why does Mr Holness allow the two ministers of proposition, Paulwell and Hylton, to get away with so much propaganda? How many of their proposals have come to fruition? Someone needs to remind them of all the many headline-grabbing announcements they have made but never implemented.

This is a Government that rarely meets a deadline. If they could postpone Christmas, they would. Yet, we hear nothing from Mr Holness and his team. Where is his voice on the constant postponement of the 360-megawatt project?

What Jamaica needs is not a Moses or Jeremiah. What we need is a David. Someone who is bold and courageous. Mr Shaw fits this bill. Mr Holness is more like a Jeremiah.

I am convinced that Mr Holness is either intimidated by the PNP or he takes them for granted. Frankly, I am not too sure which is worse. He has spent too much time navel-gazing and leading from behind. He needs to expunge the guilt of losing the last two elections.

Does Mr Holness know that the JLP does not have a working website? Yes, there has not been a working one for the last nine months. I have personally brought this to the attention of the JLP headquarters staff.

Before folks start blaming the performance of the Opposition under Mr Holness on his youth, please look no further than Canada, where the Liberal Party under the youthful Jason Trudeau has been revitalised. He has significantly restored faith in his party.

I think Andrew Holness is a person with good intentions. I dare say his intentions are noble. But politics is about winning elections. The JLP has a substantially higher chance of winning the next election under Mr Shaw's tutelage.

Jamaica needs to realise its true economic potential. Mr Shaw has effectively demonstrated that he has the gumption and fortitude to take the Jamaican economy where it truly belongs, growing at least five per cent. He deserves the chance to make this a reality.

Delroy Warmington is a fund manager. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.