‘Ye shall return’
DR Christopher Tufton’s resignation as chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) South West St Elizabeth organisation has been greeted with mixed reaction from Jamaica Observer online readers. Dr Tufton, a former Cabinet minister in the JLP Administration from 2007 – 2011, says he was stepping down as another candidate, “unscathed” by the development in the November 2012 leadership elections, would stand a better chance to win back the the marginal seat. Here are some unedited comments:
revjoanporteous
Jamaica’s politic needs to be reformed. Too much power is in the hands of the political leader. Often they destroy talents that is greater than theirs and has the potential to shine much brighter.
The tail wants to lead the head too often.
Really
What a pity, Mr Tufton. Although we understand your position you did the right thing. Please do not give up on the Jamaican people as we were hoping that one day you would be prime minister.
It may be good to take a break and then return with more vitality as the country desperately needs people with your ability and leadership qualities. Thanks for all you did for Jamaica and we regret you taking this position. Good luck and thank you.
Calabash Man
So sorry to see you go Chris, many thanks for all that you have done, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. S/W St Bess does not deserve a man of your talent and ability, Sir Donald Sangster was treated the same way here. I hope you will find a place somewhere else that deserves you.
mccormacklindel
Mr Tufton, you can expect an invitation letter from the PNP very soon.
Neutral Justice
Internally, Tufton did not have any choice to do what he now has done. He has partially saved his face. He does not possess the political dragon fire of the current JLP power struggle.
mastersgt
That’s a master stroke, bro ‘Tuffy’, because there is no way the JLP is going to win the next general election. That seat in SW is going to be hard to take back from young ‘Danny Buck’. Just sit on the fence and watch the runnings and wait for your chance to get back in the fight because when Andrew lose [the next] election, that’s it for him.
Paddy5
It’s sad to see a bright politician go. Walk good ‘Tuffy’..
Lennox E Wallace
Can’t get to play captain, so you take up your marbles and leave.
Anthony II
As far as I am concerned, one of the qualities needed in Jamaican politicians and others who would dare to be called “leaders” is intestinal fortitude. I think this action by Mr Tufton actually displays the lack of it. If you mount a challenge and lose, if you meant the party any good, you would find a way to rectify the situation, rather than turning your back.
truth
Being revengeful is not the way to go. I think he did the right thing by stepping aside.
Lawnotashackle
Mr Tufton is generally a nice guy, but a political featherweight.
The Pedestrian
Walk good, Mr Tufton. But ‘ye shall return’. You shall return with more vim, vigour and power to do what is right for Jamaica. In your reflections, ask the creator for divine guidance to allow you to do as he sees fitting. Politics dirty, you have been wounded. I’m hopeful you have learnt the lessons taught by the experience. I believe you have a lot to offer, even outside of the political arena. So, do your reflection, be guided by the most high and when you stand again, you will not be standing as Tufton but as one who is held up and being lead by a powerful and supreme being. God Bless and walk good, my bro.
Tash
There should be an age limit and how many times a politician can become prime minister. When they stay in office too long, these politicians start behaving as if they are irreplaceable. If the majority of Jamaica’s politicians cared for it’s people we would [be in] a better position.
PG Kaba
Though, I sympathised with Dr Tufton’s circumstances within the JLP, I don’t believe a single word of his reasoning for resigning from his position. I am of the view that Dr Tufton is clearing his desk and conscience for his eventual shift to the People’s National Party before the next general election. Dr Tufton is a politician first and foremost and a strong believer in the country and therefore will always want and willing to make a contribution to its development and advancement. There is no better way of aceiving that than via a political party and one that will more likely form the next government. I would be surprised if he was not welcomed by the PNP whenever he makes the move.
headnuhgood
While I don’t necessarily believe people are indispensable, and given what we have to choose from, I hope you reconsider.
jimmy Don
Good riddance, Dr Tufton! There is book bright and politically bright. Elections have consequences, whether JLP leadership or national election. I believe the lesson you will learn from this episode is that you should fight hard for what you believe in, but you must also fight smartly.
Courtney Barrette
‘Tuffy’ is one of the brightest in the JLP, which is a party with a paucity of talent. The JLP has a history of getting rid of bright people. I would suggest that ‘Tuffy’ join the PNP because although they are incompetent, they will be in power for at least the next 16 years.
Mark A Hylton
It is such a shame to see Dr Christopher Tufton’s gradual but certain retreat from representational politics. He was never one for the tribal, gutter style, patronage politics, which made him a misfit in our anaemic, ignoble governance sham.