Dear Editor,

It has been a challenging week keeping up with Jamaica.

But among the major highlights are the People’s National Party (PNP) 86th Annual Conference and the tabling of the Integrity Commission’s (IC) special report on the statutory declarations of the prime minister, Dr Andrew Holness.

An ocean of orange inundated the National Arena on Sunday as PNP party supporters sent a strong message to the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) that the time has come for a change, and they are united and energised to form the next Government. At least, that is how it appeared from face value. However, were the behaviour and speeches of the leaders indicative of their readiness to govern and lead Jamaica?

As it appears, there is not much difference between the PNP and JLP in terms of policies. The current crop of politicians — at least some of them — want the country to move forward, but the PNP seems desperate to regain State power without having the savoir-faire to do so. For a long time some among us with reasoned voices and capacities to think beyond our emotions or along party lines have questioned how effective the PNP would be as a Government. Party President Mark Golding’s speech was primarily a regurgitation of previous speeches, and much of what was said are plans that the current Government has already implemented or has indicated that they would establish.

Whatever novel idea the PNP might have mentioned on Sunday was overshadowed and contradicted by some miscalculated onstage permissions by the party’s senior hierarchy. First, it was the appearance of LA Lewis on stage during the offertory to announce his two-million-dollar contribution. Hello! Is this a circus or a serious conference? Second, it was the appearance of the recently released dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel who accompanied his attorney and former PNP Human Rights Commission Chairman Isat Buchanan.

Certainly, no one is questioning his presence at the conference, but to allow him on the stage of such an important conference shows how unserious and unready the PNP is for leadership. What morals and values is the party promoting? Given Vybz Kartel’s history, the lyrics of his songs, and PNP Senator Peter Bunting’s remarks about him while he served as minister of national security, it was a very poor decision to allow Vybz Kartel to parade on its stage.

And because the Comrades will stop at nothing to return to Jamaica House, the likes of General Secretary Dayton Campbell, Chairperson Angela Brown Burke, and Councillor Mario Mitchell failed to see the ambiguity of having him on stage. Brown Burke herself struggled to justify the move.

Facing mounting backlash from some of their own supporters, JLP affiliates, and bipartisan citizens, the PNP has sought to downplay the poor move, stating that the JLP has done similar or more horrendous acts. Instead of taking accountability, the debate is always who has committed the greater sin. How are we to move forward as a country with that kind of behaviour?

On the matter of the prime minister’s statutory declarations, a section of the IC report was leaked to the media prior to its official tabling in Parliament on Tuesday. It sparked numerous debates and attacks on the IC. However, the full report provides a broader context as to scope of the investigation and the findings into concerns that the prime minister engaged in illicit enrichment.

One of the things we learn in journalism is that the media shapes the agenda. This is very clear in our society. Some media houses prefer to focus on the ruling of the IC’s director of corruption prosecution that no charges should be laid against the prime minister, while others dissect the report and present major points. Notwithstanding, media houses know how to frame their headlines and captions to lead their viewers and readers in a particular direction.

The IC’s report has certainly sparked much controversy, and the prime minister and JLP politicians have rejected the findings. The PNP, on the other hand, has called for the prime minister to resign.

Many lawyers, broadcasters, journalists, chartered accountants, and civil society members have since shared opinions. But where do we go from here?

The IC is an important body in our democracy. Our political leaders should be held accountable. However, there are some questionable aspects of the report, including the level of scrutiny that the prime minister has undergone. Should he not be scrutinised? Of course, he should be. But did the Opposition leader and other politicians endure such level of investigation? Justice should not only be fair but it should appear fair.

Many people have described the actions of the IC as a witch-hunt against the prime minister, which adds fuel to the Opposition’s smear campaign. This is evidenced by Brown Burke’s distasteful move in tagging several international media outlets on
X concerning a domestic matter. Again, is it desperation for power? We have descended to a new low in the political arena. It is nasty!

Overall, we need closure to be brought to this situation. The JLP said it would not support any recommendation of the IC to refer the matter for further probe by the Tax Administration of Jamaica and the Financial Investigation Division. It is incumbent on the IC to release the findings of the probe done by the overseas forensic auditor. After all, there are speculations that it cost a large sum of money.

Given the reports that the prime minister’s Beverly Hill’s residence received some form of threat, one fears that we may have political upheaval leading into the next general election. But we cannot allow ourselves to return to the political violence that has wrecked this country.

As it stands, the IC report does not seem to pose any legal danger for the prime minister, but there is certainly a political crucifixion that the PNP and some civil society groups will make of it.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com