Al Miller, Contributor

THE NATION is in a season of change. The greatest opportunity to advance the agenda for a new Jamaica is with us. The evidence of this season began with the changes in the three top leadership positions in the nation: the appointment of a new Governor-General, and the election of new leaders of the two major political parties.

these leaders have indicated a desire and commitment to a new and better path for Jamaica. The ascendancy of Portia Simpson Miller to the position of Prime Minister has ignited a well-needed element in national life - a glimmer of hope and an expectation of change.

Fear and hopelessness have been crippling the nation for years. The feeling of hope that has been inspired by the new PM is a narrow window with only a 'flicker of light', yet it holds the potential for national transformation if rightly handled. One bad move can extinguish this light of hope.

is against this The focus of the nation should now be singularly directed towards that which is in the best interest of the nation and not perceived as personal or party interest. The only winner we can afford to have now is Jamaica. Anything else spells disaster.

refore, I argue that this is not the time for the PM to be considering an election as some are advocating. Elections now would be ill-timed and would destroy the flicker of light in the window of real possibilities for meaningful change at this time in our nation's development.

There are many analysts - narrow-minded, self-serving party thinkers and others who are not insightful enough to be discerning of the times - who are advocating early elections. They do so because they perceive it as a political party advantage. Whereas I can understand it, the reality is that while it may be considered good party politics, it would be poor national administration and a demonstration of poor commitment to the best national good.

Then,there are some who are saying the PM should call elections in order to implement her own mandate. This argument is seriously flawed.

e reality is that she already has a clear mandate from the supporters of her party and most importantly from God, whom she recognises appointed her to serve considering that the odds were stacked against her during the campaign. What other mandate does she need? To seek a greater personal mandate would be an act of pride that could lead to her downfall. The PM must at this time exercise her mandate and vigorously pursue her God-given assignment to strengthen the hope of the people of this nation, heal the land, clean up corruption and the weaknesses in the political system, and lay a fresh foundation for a secure and preferred future for our people.

FIFTH TERM CANNOT BE THE PRIORITY

Seeking a fifth term for the PNP cannot be the priority on her agenda. If she follows the self-serving party political thinking it would be to the disappointment of her own conviction, her public pronouncements and to her God-given appointment to be an instrument for lasting fundamental change for the good of all, and particularly the poor.

This is not the time for elections. It is the time to lay fresh foundations for rebuilding. The country needs healing before elections are called. Crime, violence, tribalism and garrisons must first be addressed. Electioneering in the current climate will destroy the gains made and set us back as a nation.

Our national situation is too volatile and fragile to turn on 'election fever'. The leaders of the two major political parties are new, and are still trying to consolidate and solidify their leadership. Many persons with their own self-interest are attempting to take advantage of this. Both leaders have stated their personal commitment to a new path and to a new approach but some among them have not bought into their new approach. Neither have the party leaders yet stamped their authority sufficiently to deter the wayward old-style contrary forces. Both parties, owing to preoccupation with 'anytime now' elections, are being forced to compromise by selecting some candidates who remain committed to violence for political gain. The PNP and JLP need to do some serious and urgent house cleaning.

Having my ears to the ground, indications are that the elections now could be the bloodiest we have ever seen as the stakes are perceived by many to be the highest they have ever been. Watch the amount of money spent on the recent PNP party leadership election. Granny say, 'Tek sleep mark death'.

The present climate is completely different to what existed at the last election. Let us not deceive ourselves; the levels of desperation are greater now on both sides. I strongly recommend that the PM, with her heart, goodwill and style, make her greatest contribution to our nation by taking the bold and tough decision to break the back of garrisons and political tribal politics. Our PM has the ability and strength of character to do it. It is her God-given assignment.

I also strongly urge the PM not to allow herself to be diverted from her task and to be manipulated to put party interest above the nation. She should clear the air and declare to the nation that no elections will be called until next year when it is constitutionally due. This would allow the nation time to heal and to foster the opportunities of hope.

would also allow the parties time to 'clean house' voluntarily or face the embarrassment of open judgement. I still believe the best way for an interim period in our nation is for the PM and the Opposition to consider a Government of national unity to facilitate the healing process. Let's not forget the guns that are still out there and it is believed that they have increased significantly and that they are in more cruel and ruthless hands.

This must be Jamaica's time ­ not PNP or JLP time. Let's put Jamaica first and work to lay fresh foundations today to secure a brighter tomorrow.

Al Miller is pastor of Fellowship Tabernacle, Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston.