By Lolita Long, New York Editor 
Seaga
SEVERAL JAMAICANS in the US have reacted "guardedly" to the outcome of the elections in Jamaica. They say they felt that the People's National Party had not won the election, but rather that the JLP had lost.
"It was only a matter of selection," one caller from the Bronx, New York said, "the JLP could have won, if it paid special attention to its leadership."
"Four term under yu sh'rt," another from Brooklyn, New York told The Gleaner.
Dr. Isaac Bartley, president of the Pasadena Gastroenterology Medical Group in California said he was not expecting anything differently.
"The system needs changes, however there is no other party in place that is ready to contribute to those changes. Therefore one should not expect the result to be different. "There are bright young politicians in the JLP and as they get more responsibility in managing the party, there will be improvements. Both parties have a lot of changes to make if the country will progress as it should in the future."
Political analyst Orville Brown, was "disappointed" at the outcome of the elections. "The personality issue was a major factor. Seaga should resign to allow the party to present a new image. There has got to be a new leader for the next election," he said.
Lorna Burke, a Jamaican living in the Bronx, and who works at the Service Association at Montefiore Hospital, said that she had not visited Jamaica in the past 5 years, but that she was "somewhat excited" at the PNP's victory. She praised Seaga for "always winning in his constituency," but said that he "should give up to somebody else."
Journalist, and host of the popular "Caribbean Round-table" TV programme, Verna Smith, was pleased at the "demonstration of good behaviour" and praised Mr. Patterson for his "historic win."
"No doubt, the challenges socially, politically, and economically will continue. But it is uplifting to know that during a time when there was a need for togetherness, Jamaicans proved they could rise to the occasion. My wish is that balance and dignity be the guiding light in our relationships with each other."
Cherry McKitty, of the Friends of Jamaica Overseas, says that the biggest problem the JLP had going into the elections, was the shortage of funds as people overseas are not eager to support the party that is out of power.
She says that she was disheartened to hear about the low voter turnout caused by the inclement weather.
One "Concerned Jamaican" living in Rockland County, upstate New York, said that he had been living in the US for 25 years, said that Jamaica needed "young, fresh, people... those who would die for their country, like Martin Luther King."
In contrast, Jamaicans in Florida were more open and expressive.
Joy McLaughlin, Principal of the New Dawn Elementary School in New York said the people have spoken. "It is the people who live there and feel it so they have the say. It is hard to say what choice I would have made but the decision has been made for better or worse," she told the Weekly Gleaner. On WAVS Radio in Florida, Diana Wright was hosting the call-in programme, 'Open Line,' one caller said that a change was needed and that the country really needs two new political leaders to choose from. Another caller said that she was depressed and saddened that the PNP had emerged the victors.
Joan Seaga, 64, caterer and president of the Jamaica United Relief Association in South Florida says that she does not vote in Jamaica but that we all need to stand behind the Prime Minister, be respectful and do what is right for our island.
Vonnie McGowan,broadcast journalist and media consultant, South Florida said that with a larger opposition in the House of Representatives, possessing such young minds and dedicated people she hopes that they will begin the process of restructuring instead of tearing down. Dr. Rovan Locke, Publisher, Caribbean Commentary, found the elections very "interesting" and said that the results were not surprising.
"I will not say that Edward Seaga was the reason for the JLP losing," said Locke. However, unlike P.J. Patterson, who announced that he would step down, Dr. Locke said that people was fearful that Mr. Seaga would die in office.
Jennifer Harris, from the Jamaica United Committee from Philadelphia too "was excited and glad, that it's all over."
She said that she was pleased that Jimmy Carter was in Jamaica overseeing the elections and that with his presence she felt calm. "I was very worried that the traditional violence would erupt and this made me tense," she said.
Contributions from Roland Brammer, Mary Bailey and Lionel Gayle.
