Dear Editor,

So Andrew Holness has now supplied immense details regarding the source of funding for the construction of his family mansion, and as expected, the People’s National Party (PNP) have now moved the goal post, making additional nonsensical demands on the Opposition leader to agree before the debates.

Those who have knowledge of the political landscape in Jamaica, and more so the electioneering tactics of the PNP, determined all along that their refusal to participate in the debates had absolutely nothing to do with Holness’s house or any apology, but was sheer political expediency. The PNP had determined long ago that there is not much to be gained from the debates, but so much to lose. The PNP knows that their election trump card is her image, popularity, charisma and perceived emotional attachment to the working class and not her debating skills or her in-depth knowledge of the intricate affairs of the country. The PNP knows that politically the objective of the debate is to sway the undecided and evoke participation by the non-voters. They also know that debates have no impact one way or the other on the diehards of either party. The PNP have confidence in the fact that their diehards outnumber those of the JLP. As long as the undecided and non-voters stay home on election day, the PNP will systematically win these elections every ‘5 years’.

Why then would the PNP want to disturb this apple cart by running the risk of putting their party leader up for debates at this time? Truth be told, you cannot blame the PNP for their stance; a political party’s primary objective is to obtain and retain State power, so they have to be self-serving in their actions.

My problem is that when a party achieves State power, they now become accountable to not only their supporters, but to all citizens. The gall and arrogance being displayed by the PNP is unprecedented in Jamaica’s politics. They have remained steadfast against participating in the debates, despite the collective rebuke from the Opposition, business organisations, the NGOs, media, and the Church — the majority of well-thinking Jamaicans. The PNP are sticking to their guns because they anticipate another low voter turnout.

All well-thinking Jamaicans need to rise up and show these politicians that the power resides within us, the people; not just party supporters. I urge the youth of Jamaica and the uncommitted to let your voices be heard on the 25th; to come out and participate in the determination and future of your country by casting your vote. The next generation of Jamaicans will either be grateful or pour scorn upon us for our actions and choices of today.

Richard Patterson

Richie2sweet@yahoo.com