Do we dare hope once again?

by Garth Rattray

This preamble is an attempt to forestall any ideations at ascribing to me any political label.

My published opinions on political matters do not reflect the way that I vote and are not meant to influence anyone into voting one way or the other. My only concern is for Jamaica and how some aspects of our politics can impact negatively on us.

Way back in the 1970s when the PNP won control of the government, many were filled with hope. At last, a young, dynamic and charismatic leader with a penchant for social equity was at the helm. The overexuberant socialistic rhetoric of the PNP delighted our neighbour to the near north but enraged our neighbour to the far north and scared away many potential nation builders.

Too much chumminess

There was too much chumminess with communism and too much street talk of seizing and occupying the homes of the well-to-do and middle class. The socialist principles intended to empower the less fortunate were thrust upon us so quickly and so forcefully that it ripped holes in the society.

The attendant rationing and severe austerity measures were too much for a recently prosperous nation to bear, so the October 30, 1980, election, brought with it an end to the dream of democratic socialism.

People dared to entertain visions of prosperity and peace, but that, too, became a wistful dream when the perception of upper-middle-class and upper-class dominance in a social structure skewed towards those capable of 'working the system' became evident. The ruling administration was also rocked by infighting and backbiting. The JLP imploded in an embarrassingly public way.

The PNP was given the wheel again, but after a record-breaking long span in office, it appeared to the public as if complacency swamped the party amid fiduciary failings and 'ethical challenges'. Well-publicised allegations of corruption, accusations of incompetence, and an economy on life support (from remittances) led to a very narrow defeat at the polls.

The nation dared to hope that the JLP leader who pledged transparency, collaboration with the Opposition and good governance would keep his promise. However, even though some sensible and sturdy financial principles were instigated, there was deep disappointment in the JLP when the self-styled Chief Servant effectively committed political suicide for himself and his party with the infamous extradition matter. Perceived self-assuredness, overconfidence and arrogance proved too much for the party and it suffered a convincing loss at the December 29, 2011 polls.

More focused

So, it's now back to the PNP with a noticeably mellowed leader using her proclivity for interacting with the people and engaging stakeholders, while delegating most managerial tasks and responsibilities to the appropriate subordinates.

The party appears more serious, focused and, hopefully, aware of the awesome responsibility that has been placed in its hands. With an unemployment rate of about 11.6 per cent, an estimated inflation rate of about nine per cent and a national debt of more than $1.6 trillion, the new prime minister has started off her tenure with a hitherto unseen determination to succeed at financially responsible decisions, at inspiring trust, at putting the interest of the people first, at performing and at delivering commitments.

She has dedicated an inordinate amount of time and effort in warning her team against corruption, non-performance and arrogance. In spite of the (some may say, perfunctory) negative criticism from the Opposition, the PNP is also trying to carry out the promises in its manifesto.

Whether PNP or JLP, do we as a people dare hope once again that we can put our trust in our politicians? Only time will tell.

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