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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><SPAN class=TopStory></SPAN></TD></TR><TR><TD>Shirley Williams
Sunday, August 06, 2006
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<P class=StoryText align=justify>Today we celebrate 44 years of Independence. As Jamaicans, we will spend the day in a variety of ways, coming as we do from disparate social and economic backgrounds.<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width=100 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD></TR><TR><TD><SPAN class=Description>Shirley Williams </SPAN></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><P class=StoryText align=justify>Since Friday, there would have been the usual exodus from the capital with hundreds heading to the North Coast for a weekend of sun and sea. Many will be joined by family and friends who have long migrated but took the time to 'jet in' and share in our celebrations. Others will attend various state functions which are intended to provide free entertainment.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Yet, how many of us will take the time to reflect on the present status and future of our country? For those of us who are visiting, and even those of us who are resident here, let's take a snapshot.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Election watch<P class=StoryText align=justify>The country is currently on an election watch. This means that an election is possible, not within the next 36 hours, but sometime within the next six months. The calling of an election is the sole prerogative of the prime minister, whose only constraint is that the election be called within five years of the previous election.<P class=StoryText align=justify>This gives the incumbent party a significant advantage in that, it can either lead the Opposition into a 'false start' or catch it unawares, in which event, the opponent will either burn itself out or be caught in a state of unpreparedness.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Although elections are not constitutionally due until October of next year, prime ministers are not known to go full term, as that will take away the element of surprise with its built-in advantages. So the country suffers every three to four years from the instability consequent on the approach of an election.<P class=StoryText align=justify>The negatives of an extended campaign period are enormous. Firstly, the Government, which is charged with the responsibility of running the state machinery, focuses its attention on pursuing those measures which are best suited to ensure its victory at the polls. This is often not in the best interest of the country.
At the same time, being politically polarised as we are, emotions, tensions and aggressive behaviour run high and the threat to life and limb become an increased reality.<P class=StoryText align=justify>In recent times, more so than before, I note that our Jamaican communities overseas have become more and more actively involved in elections, although many no longer have a vote. Even in the recent presidential campaign in the People's National Party, candidates reportedly visited these communities, especially those in England and North America, where donations and commitment were solicited.<P class=StoryText align=justify>In the final analysis, elections, vital as they are to sustaining democracy, always seem to bring with them a season of division, hatred and non-productivity. It makes me wonder why our policy-makers have failed over the past several decades to legislate a fixed election date, thereby eliminating an extended campaign period, the uncertainty and prolonged agony.
In the meantime, as we embark upon an election watch, the country vibrates from the rumblings.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Economic indicators<P class=StoryText align=justify>Sadly, except for its beauty, Jamaica compares negatively to the rest of the Caribbean countries.<P class=StoryText alig
Sunday, August 06, 2006
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=StoryText align=justify>Today we celebrate 44 years of Independence. As Jamaicans, we will spend the day in a variety of ways, coming as we do from disparate social and economic backgrounds.<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width=100 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD></TR><TR><TD><SPAN class=Description>Shirley Williams </SPAN></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><P class=StoryText align=justify>Since Friday, there would have been the usual exodus from the capital with hundreds heading to the North Coast for a weekend of sun and sea. Many will be joined by family and friends who have long migrated but took the time to 'jet in' and share in our celebrations. Others will attend various state functions which are intended to provide free entertainment.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Yet, how many of us will take the time to reflect on the present status and future of our country? For those of us who are visiting, and even those of us who are resident here, let's take a snapshot.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Election watch<P class=StoryText align=justify>The country is currently on an election watch. This means that an election is possible, not within the next 36 hours, but sometime within the next six months. The calling of an election is the sole prerogative of the prime minister, whose only constraint is that the election be called within five years of the previous election.<P class=StoryText align=justify>This gives the incumbent party a significant advantage in that, it can either lead the Opposition into a 'false start' or catch it unawares, in which event, the opponent will either burn itself out or be caught in a state of unpreparedness.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Although elections are not constitutionally due until October of next year, prime ministers are not known to go full term, as that will take away the element of surprise with its built-in advantages. So the country suffers every three to four years from the instability consequent on the approach of an election.<P class=StoryText align=justify>The negatives of an extended campaign period are enormous. Firstly, the Government, which is charged with the responsibility of running the state machinery, focuses its attention on pursuing those measures which are best suited to ensure its victory at the polls. This is often not in the best interest of the country. At the same time, being politically polarised as we are, emotions, tensions and aggressive behaviour run high and the threat to life and limb become an increased reality.<P class=StoryText align=justify>In recent times, more so than before, I note that our Jamaican communities overseas have become more and more actively involved in elections, although many no longer have a vote. Even in the recent presidential campaign in the People's National Party, candidates reportedly visited these communities, especially those in England and North America, where donations and commitment were solicited.<P class=StoryText align=justify>In the final analysis, elections, vital as they are to sustaining democracy, always seem to bring with them a season of division, hatred and non-productivity. It makes me wonder why our policy-makers have failed over the past several decades to legislate a fixed election date, thereby eliminating an extended campaign period, the uncertainty and prolonged agony.
In the meantime, as we embark upon an election watch, the country vibrates from the rumblings.<P class=StoryText align=justify>Economic indicators<P class=StoryText align=justify>Sadly, except for its beauty, Jamaica compares negatively to the rest of the Caribbean countries.<P class=StoryText alig