December 29, a day of destiny for all Jamaicans

Thursday, December 29, 2011

TODAY, December 29 is the 363rd day of the year, based on the Gregorian calendar. There are two days remaining until the end of the year 2011. But it will not be just another year.

Some 1,648,036 Jamaicans over 18 years old are eligible to vote for a new government in the 16th general election since Universal Adult Suffrage extended voting rights to all adults irrespective of race, sex, or social class 67 years ago.

The two major political parties — the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) — have ended an extensive campaign which touched every nook and cranny of the island and now they must wait on the decision of the people as to which of them should get the mandate to govern for the next five years.

Down through the ages, December 29 is known for many major historical events including: the murder of St Thomas à Becket, the 40th archbishop of Canterbury by four knights acting on Henry II's orders in 1170; the burning of Buffalo, New York by the British in 1813 in what was known as the War of 1812; the signing into law of legislation by US President James Polk, making Texas the 28th state of the United States; 1888 — The first performance of Macbeth at the Lyceum Theatre in 1888; the release of "The Unwelcome Throne", the first serial motion picture by Selig's Polyscope Company in 1913; the start of incendiary bombing of London by Germany during World War II in 1940; the first ultra-high frequency (UHF) television station to begin operating on a regular daily schedule in 1949; and the much-awaited apology in 1998 by Khmer Rouge leaders for the 1970s genocide in Cambodia that claimed one million lives, among many other big events over the years.

The day will be significant for Jamaica because it may end with the country electing its youngest prime minister and the first post-Independence leader in Andrew Michael Holness who, at 39 years old, was virtually handed the post by Bruce Golding; or with Jamaica's first woman prime minister, Portia Lucretia Simpson Miller getting her first mandate, having lost the 2007 election after succeeding P J Patterson.

As is now customary, the elections will be a straight fight between the JLP and PNP, which have shared power in Jamaica since 1944, completely obliterating the over 40 third parties or Independents which have aspired to rule the island.

No one is expecting the kind of landslide victory which happened in 1976, 1980 and 1989, especially with public opinion surveys slightly favouring the JLP to get first past the post, with a possible 34 seats to the PNP's 29 in the new 63-seat Parliament.

Should the JLP win, it would probably be based on popular sentiment that it has managed the country through disasters such as hurricanes, the fall-off in the critical bauxite and sugar sectors and the worst economic recession since the 1930s, and have achieved growth in the last three quarters of the current fiscal year, buttressed by low interest and inflation rates as well as a stable Jamaican dollar.

Our hope is that while we are well known for our deeply entrenched support for the political party of our choice, that we find it in us to vote for the future of our country, basing our decision on the fact that our fate lies in our own hands. December 29 is indeed a day of destiny for all Jamaicans.

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COMMENTS (13)

John Smith
12/30/2011

Steve Miller forgot to add "another" 4 or 5 years of corruption and incompetence. Hopefully the other side of the political coin (the Head) will pleasantly surprise "the masses." In fact let us not be caught out anymore. Let us be as staunch as we were with Bruce, et al. if the new government decides to mess up.

Steve Miller
12/30/2011

My initial concern is why only 42% of the electorate voted; that tells me that the JLP had lost the confidence of the well thinking Jamaicans, now the masses can jump for joy and prepare 4 or 5 years of corruption and incompetence.
The masses wanted Barabbas over Jesus and so Jamaica wants further decline under Mama P.
GOD HELP US.

0o k
12/30/2011

Comrades win!
Congrats.

Beresford Davidson
12/30/2011

Mr. 'Editah, Sah:'
It appears my good Jamaica Labour Party has lost the general elections of December 29 2011. I indeed disappointed, but I cannot change the outcome; it's too late. Some complicated things are happening or are carrying on in Jamaica today that is above my head. Whatever it is that is carrying on, I do hope the Jamaican people will get their wishes satisfied. May God help them all, PNP and JLP and Jamaica.

Norman Lee
12/29/2011

It certainly does not look like a female foot but from what appears to be a man on the roght!

Norman Lee
12/29/2011

I get the sense that nothing significant has happened in Jamaica on Dec 29th! It is a day of decision far removed from destiny. What predetermined Andrew or Portia to become PM is being party leader and has nothing to do with any historical predictions. The only truth about destiny perhaps was Bruce quitting; Eddie wrote it on the wall years ago pertaining to his judgment!
The decision for JA is more of the same or going back to the “evil” they knew having seen what a one night stand can do!

Luv Quest
12/29/2011

2Kool clear your mental and look again. Don’t get too excited the character is crossing his legs, according to the drawing it is his thigh/knee that is protruding if you are voting today wipe your eyes before you put the X.

PL BOGLE
12/29/2011

The JLP gov't has used the IMF-supported stand-by arrangement and debt exchange program to rescued Jamaica’s financial system from a major sovereign debt crisis. Should we continue to depend on the debt-based economic prosperity theory that is failing us 100% of the time?

2kool .
12/29/2011

Not sure what I'm looking at in today's cartoon but it sure looks like a part of the male anatomy protruding from in front of the tv. Maybe not intentional but should have been edited better.

Nejeeper KNG
12/29/2011

I have given this some serious thought and that is if the PNP wins this election it would be a reflection of the current Jamaican’s psyche. This would have a worldwide effect in the sense that the world is watching and they are aware. The diehard comrades believe in winning at all cost even if the leadership qualities and vision is lacking. They would rather to sacrifice the country than to have an objective approach to the future of the country and our children. Well thinking J'cans pick wise.

Beresford Davidson
12/29/2011

At the age of 10, politics in my house hold was evenly spread, my dad was PNP and my mom a JLP (Bustamante) until last year when she passed on. My parents never fuss about politics they make fun at each other. My father was an early voter and my mom a mid-day voter. When they both settled down on voting day my mom followed the score listening to the 'Rediffusion.' My dad cook or he venture out to do some building contract work. My mom sang her party songs with neighbors who sometimes were her opposition. Politics was about poking fun at those candidates and their ideas or swore for them. Comedy was the theme and Busta was the finest politician and somewhat of a sportsman in the business.

HOPEFUL JAMAICAN
12/29/2011

All the way to the end with the Partisan journalism (smh). Another missed opportunity to walk the middle and to at least appear objective. The electorate will prove more discerning than is assumed by the one sided pandering 'Observed' in your paper's reporting. I would hope that after the Jamaican people duly elect the next administration an effort is made to responsibly report the news in a less lopsided and more pro Jamaica manner. Credibility is not easily regained once squandered.

0o k
12/29/2011

If Comrades win I will abide by the results [I am a democrat], but I will wonder about my people who would return to power Comrades who admitted to running Jamaica into the ground in the 18 years of that they last held power!

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December 29, a day of destiny for all Jamaicans