Election Fever

On this day, Wednesday February 24, 2016 only a few minutes until the day of Jamaica's General election and Jamaicans are in full election mode. 

For many youths this will be their first time voting, and they are extremely excited and proud to be getting the chance to exercise their democratic rights. Their decisions about who to vote for; where to put the ‘X’ came down to  a variety of factors; whether it be whose promises were less outrageous, realistic and achievable; or  who promise prosperity,  progress, job opportunities, tax removal, an overall better Jamaica. However many persons decision are also based on which party their family or friends belong to i.e. how they are socialized. As many Jamaicans would say, “mi a bawn labourite” or “mi a PNP from mi eye deh a mi knee” expressing their devotion to their party of choice.

According to Roger Brown in his article entitled’ “Jamaica 2016 election: Conundrum or crossroads?” in the Jamaica Observer, for over a generation, the PNP has had an unbreakable electoral lease on Jamaica House, save for a recent period when they briefly lost the key; having found it, they almost lost it again. Staring down the barrel of international bankruptcy, they acceded to punitive IMF terms, picked up the tax axe, and started hacking; it was hard work, but they saved the house… only problem is that the lease is up for renewal yet again.

Brown went on to add that in 1989, when the modern lease began, the J$/US$ exchange rate was $5.50 to US$1; when the lease expires next week, the J$/US$ exchange rate will be apx $122:1 with lease payments devaluing by a staggering 2,000 per cent over 27 years, the owners of the House (ie, Jamaicans), appear to have been serially shafted.

Neither the PNP nor the JLP embrace change easily; but whoever wins tomorrow is morally bound to tell the nation some hard truths and chart a course much different and improved than the one sailed for the past generation that only led to debt, devaluation, and distress.

So as the clock ticks we await the answer to the questions will Jamaica remain afloat in this restless sea, or be guided to a safe dock? Will it be the Green Tide or the Orange Wave that will return? Truth be told, it doesn’t matter a great deal: Jamaica’s true test comes not on the Election Day, but in the days thereafter. 

For me whether it is the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) or the opposing; Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), "Power" or "Shower" that forms the next Government, my only hope is that the administration places great emphasis on matters such as, education, agriculture, health care, national security, and maintaining and improving the justice system so that there will be an opportunity to form a better Jamaica. one in which we can  all be proud to live.

Please feel free to comment and share your views.