Stop with the 'youth' rhetoric

F. Watson, Contributor

In the selection of the leadership for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), we have seen too much focus on 'youth' and less on the ability of the individual to address the issues facing the country. In the last election, the focus of the majority was on 'just wanting a change'; while some postulated about the economy.

So the majority voted for a change more on hype than on how the economy was actually performing. Can we now say that this hype has resulted in putting Jamaica in a better economic position than it was four years ago? I wish the educated and learned among us would stop the rhetoric!

We are now talking about 'youth' rather than a combination of factors for the leadership role. A 'young man' can definitely have the perquisite for such high office. Some of these young men are very impressive with their knowledge and conduct. But let us forego the hype and look for substance. Notwithstanding the seeming choice by many, pushed by the embrace of Mr Holness by sections of the media et al, Mr Tufton would be a better choice for the country.

Power and material gain

We hear talk about Young Turks with fresh ideas. I agree with Dr Cummings on the television programme 'All Angles' that most of these young people focus on the power and material gain. Most are also filled with such arrogance and show such contempt for the people they were elected to serve. Nowhere have I seen such arrogance demonstrated by these Young Turks than in the present Government.

These young minds are part of the Government, whom many see as a failure, based on the economic hardships they are now experiencing.

Why had we not seen these young minds with fresh ideas and technological acumen giving Mr Golding these ideas and the support needed to make positive impacts on the economy and, hence, the lives of the people?

Portia Simpson Miller's address at the PNP's annual conference was most impressive. This, it appears, sent the JLP into a panic.

So we hear shouts immediately for a debate. To do what? Test for eloquence, or who can be more vociferous? Of course, such eloquence and so-called statesmanship have their place. But do these signify good management of our economy? Has 'statesmanship' and 'eloquence' translated into a positive impact on the present management of the Jamaican economy?

Déjà vu?

We watch this embrace of Mr Holness and are reminded of likewise support for Mr Golding. I hope that if Mr Holness heads the next Government, we are not going to have the same continuous excuses as proffered for Mr Golding in his first 100 days and thereafter.

What we need in Government are people who are serious and committed to working for the betterment of the people. There is a serious need for transparency and accountability in the spending of taxpayers' money. The next Government must be committed to this. How do you arrive at such exorbitant figures for fixing a chain of road, for example? These contracts are where most of the corruption lies and why Jamaica cannot move forward.

My hat's off to Mr Greg Christie, a man of such integrity. It would augur well for Jamaica if politicians who are elected to serve would seek to emulate this man in the carrying out of their public duties.

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