D.K. Duncan FOR THE Leader of the Opposition to have been absent from all major public events related to Emancipation and Independence, this was conspicuous. As a legislator who was involved in the framing of the Independence constitution he may want to reconsider this approach. As the longest continuous serving Member of Parliament - dating from Independence in 1962 - the public may be interested in knowing his position on attendance at public functions. For someone who has contributed so much as a Minister of Government to the development of the Festival movement he was conspicuous by his absence. As a Minister of Government who played a significant role in the return of the remains of National Hero Marcus Garvey to his homeland his absence from some public events is disheartening. For a Jamaican who has demonstrated not only significant interest in, but also one who has led the way in several other aspects of our cultural development - one wonders why the absence at the main public functions celebrating the visit of cultural icon "Miss Lou".
SILENCE
The silence with which the Leader of the Opposition's absence has been received by the public is also revealing.
Does it represent an acceptance of the partisan/tribal way in which our political culture has developed?
Or is it a function of the human condition coming immediately on the heels of the recent Privy Council decision as to who or what is responsible for outstanding GCT payments?
The Opposition Leader was seen on television giving the usual addresses to the nation on the two occasions Emanci-pation Day and Independence Day. It is also true that the Jamaican Labour Party's spokesperson on Culture, Mem-ber of Parliament and Deputy Leader, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, admirably represented Mr. Seaga on a number of if not all occasions. It is also true that the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Desmond McKenzie was present on most if not all events. This was most gratifying.
TRADITION
Historically, on these occasions the leaders of the governing party have dominated these events by their presence, whichever party is in office. But is this good enough? Shouldn't there be some events during these public holidays especially Emancipation Day, Independence Day or National Heroes' Day where we expect at least a symbolic show of unity by our leaders?
This kind of symbolism could have a significant impact on the psyche of the country - as far as contributing to a change in some of the negative aspects of our political culture.
Apart from a continuing need for a better understanding of certain basic facts of our history - we need to be vigilant in the search for new beginnings.
NO COMMENT
Quite separately, but no less important, the Leader of the Opposition is doing himself a disservice in absenting himself from public comment on the recent Privy Council ruling concerning GCT obligations of companies in which he has an interest.
While accepting the legal distinction between the JLP Leader and the two companies involved, many people including some JLP supporters feel that this is little more than "semantics." Whatever the merits or demerits of the legal distinction, there is a moral and political case to answer. Here, silence is not golden.
ACCOUNTABILITY
If Enchanted Garden et al had turned out to be a financial success, most people would have seen it as a feather in Mr. Seaga's cap. Indeed, many people gave him credit for venturing into areas of investment at a time when others would not. The pride with which he personally showed off this enterprise to the media in the early '90s does not give him the luxury of relying totally on legalisms.
Indeed, one of the criticisms that some, including members of the JLP, level at the People's National Party (PNP) is the apparent lack of understanding of the difference between legal responsibility and moral or political responsibility.
The PNP's approach to the Privy Council ruling in this case is interesting. In recent times it has been accepted that the PNP, at least prior to the last Local Government elections, felt that the JLP Leader was their "key card." From time to time they have succeeded in reviving negative aspects of his political past with great effect - justified or unjustified.
The Opposition Leader's "trump card" has in the main been his reputation as a financial manager as well as his integrity. These areas become increasingly vulnerable if his absence from public discourse continues. The Finance Minister has been gracious in his comments and most believe genuinely so. However, for an electorate which has become more and more politically sophisticated - absence may not make the heart grow fonder.
One Love, One Heart.
A dental surgeon, Dr. D.K. Duncan is a former General Secretary and Minister of Government in the PNP Administration of the 1970s.
