My thoughts on…Decision ‘07
It’s that thing that happens every 5 years in Jamaica, and washes the island in a sea of orange and green. It’s Jamaica’s general elections, and as usual, the PNP and JLP are duking it out of control of the country. The NDM and…Ras Astor Black as well (I guess to be fair, I have to name them all). But this election is of great significance, far greater than any in recent memory. if the PNP remains in office, Portia will have her 1st full term as PM, and the PNP will remain in power for an unprecedented 5th term. If the JLP wins, Jamaica will have its first change of government in 18 years.
So which party am I rooting for? Well, it’s more a matter of which party I’m NOT rooting for. The PNP has been in power for the last 18 years, yet Jamaica is a far way from what its founder, Norman Manley, envisioned. in fact, its far worse. I fear if the PNP wins again, Jamaica will be under the rule of a “democratic dictatorship,” and corruption, incompetence and arrogance will run unchecked. After all, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The hot new slang “not changing course” arose out of this political circus, and has now become part of popular culture. With so much on the line, both parties are campaigning aggressively. Not an hour of the day passes when you don’t hear a campaign ad on TV or radio. Most of them feature some sort of jingle or person talking in the “common tongue” (obviously in an effort to appeal to the poor, who engage the most in politics but are betrayed by being used as pawns by politicians).
The NDM, interestingly enough, is promising to legalize ganja if they win the elections. (must be trying to get the Rastafarian vote). In addition to being one of the most important elections in recent years, it is also one the most eventful. Early in the race, Portia played the “God card” (Yugioh pun not intended). A clever tactic, as Jamaica has more churches per square capita than anywhere else on earth. the JLP soon realized this and harshly criticized the PM, though they have picked up the tactic and used it in a more subtle way. The PNP has now gone underground with that tactic. No more bold declarations, but they’re still pushing the “chosen leader” bit. Haven’t these people heard of separation of Church and State? Whatever happens, you can bet I’ll be watching.
