End of an Era

Well it would seem that the epilogue for an era in Jamaican politics is being written as I write. Mr. Seaga reportedly handed in his resignation as Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for West Kingston yesterday. Mr. Seaga has been involved in politics since as long as I can remember. He has served as Prime Minister and has served in the West Kingston seat since..... I cannot say that I am unhappy to see him leave since I feel that his type of politics holds no place in modern Jamaica. In essence his time past long ago. There are those who feel that his leaving is the worst thing that could happen to the country but we will see. I said long ago that the JLP would not win another election as long as they continued to hold on to relics of the past. This has been proven to be just as predicted. They must now look forward and try to overcome the turmoil that still rages within their ranks so as to become a force to be reckoned with in the political arena. In recent times, the PNP has not had to do very much to win elections since the JLP has done lots to lose it for themselves. I do not like the idea of an ineffective or absent opposition. It lends too much leeway to the ruling party. If the PNP is in power then there should be a strong opposition JLP and vice versa. I don't mean an opposition that cows down every action made by the government, but rather one that evaluates policies and, by their support or critique, adds value to the end product. I hate to hear opposition for opposing sake. It must have merit. Ninety percent of the time in jamaican politics the opposition is mere formality just so that you are not in agreement with government decisions. If the decision is good...support it. Our curent Prime Minister, Mr. P.J. Patterson, had also annouced his intention to demit office before our next election is due in about 1 1/2 years or so. The PNP too needs an overhaul. It is unfortunate for me to say but I honestly don't think that the resignation of these leaders will make any significant impact on anything unless there is a complete revamping of the arena itself. Old habits die hard and Psychologist would have a field day with the Nature vs Nurture Theory in this setting. We shall see.... Later all.