The colour of governance in Jamaica
On September 3, Jamaica, an island of about three million people, will decide to replace the locks or give back the keys and what party colour will be draped for at least four more years as voters contemplate countless economic issues.
The election bag
Because of concern amid COVID-19, voters, and party officials questioned the timing of the election, but prime minister Andrew Holness of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) seized the moment observing favourable numbers and hoping for another 4 years in office.
After the election whistle blew, both leaders, immediately activated a non-stop colour media bliss taunting progress or lack thereof.
Whether Dr Peter Phillips, opposition leader of the People National Party (PNP) agrees with the election call, it is a delicate balance asking locals who have been neglected to purchase another ticket. The reality is that both vessels with an upgraded soundtrack arguing better days are ahead while blaming the other are in the same murky water.
Is there a perfect colour for Jamaica’s governance?
This election simply may come down to not the ever changing manifestos to outdo the other side, but what side telling the truth or to a greater degree better at covering up the truth as the island battle for its soul, and good governance, or one single issue; “safety,” which is a public health problem.
Jamaica local politics typically operates like a contact sport where only the fittest survive. When this political colorful game is over, the economic strain will continue. COVID-19 blame game is going to get uglier at the cost of people’s lives.
Voters are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Many voters who lost hope and trust are more likely to stay home. It is not because Jamaica can’t do better, but whose less tainted, or carries a permanent stain to continue navigating these ostentatious waters, roads and hills.
Hoping for a new blend of colour
After the election, one hopes that these political parties operate like primary colours where leaders can combine to produce a good portrait; consequently, political fighting makes it difficult to govern and paint a picture for a more promising future.
This political election will not severely reduce COVID-19 the next day, reduce crime; create affordable education, better medical care, or new necessary equipment to save lives.
Hopefully, after these colorful events, all people can find a combination of colors to positively renovate the nation as the region continues to navigate these rough tides. It will take more than party devotion because this beautiful island to begin to see hope over fear, fact over fiction.
The rhythms being played every election cycle may change, but same vinyl until the next side gets to select hoping to implement what they are now painting. However, but not every dancer will have a new and better canvas for all to dance.
An election is like art, it should create good memories. As this shore tries to pick an image for brighter days between this rock and hard place regardless of who have the next paint brush, they must remain hopeful until everyone can genuinely enjoy these recycled portraits, add their own color for both the country and personal prosperity.
Jamaicans must seek change from the bottom up, and not the other way around.
About The Author
R.D. Miller has been a member of the criminal justice field for over 15 years. He holds an MBA and a M.S. in criminal justice and leadership. More of his works here.
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