Lisa Hanna for Member of Parliament

(Jamaica Observer Cartoon -8/June/07) 

This government is something else. 

Just as I was mulling to myself on the possible reasons for rejecting all four candidates for the South East St. Ann seat when it would appear that at least two seemed eminently qualified, I heard Donald Buchanan bellowed during TVJ’s coverage of one of the many political rallies, that Lisa Hanna, Miss World 1993 “has the beauty” to represent the constituents.   I spluttered and almost drowned in my cherry juice.  What does beauty have to with political representation?

 

His statement only served to confirm my fears.  Obviously the government wasn’t overly concerned about serving the needs of the constituents.  The overwhelming need appeared to be getting a ‘brand name’ representative.

Now the above really isn’t an indictment against the beautiful Lisa Hanna.  I’d be the first to admit that she comes across as very intelligent and assertive, seems to have wonderful people skills and of course there’s no disputing that she’s articulate.   She’s definitely no bimbo!  Quite a fabulously exquisite package of beauty and intelligence.  I do not for a moment consider her to be lightweight (at least until I’m proven wrong) and I have no doubt that she has a great contribution to make.   

My grouse with the government’s decision is this.  If there are persons living in the constituency who are qualified to represent the people, why would they not chose from these rather than use someone who lives outside the constituency?  The former MP, the bubbly and very blond Ms. Aloun Assamba was kicked out when the constituents brimming with frustration banded together, put down their feet and decided that they need someone else to represent them.  According to them, she did a lousy job as a Member of Parliament and she hardly visited the area.  They’ve now decided that they want someone who resides in the area.

I don’t necessarily believe that in order to be a representative of the people one should be resident in the area.   However, I do see the advantage if this is the case.  I believe that if someone who is suitable for the job also resides in the area, the person should definitely be given preference.  The fact is, a resident who is also the political representative already has a vested interest in seeing the area developed and needed infrastructure put in place.  That person would also be already familiar with the critical issues that need to be addressed.

I have not heard the PNP indicate what integral qualities Miss Hanna brings to the table that is missing from the other candidates.   The party seemed determined to shove their choice on the people, seeming to forget who has the real power here.  Another evidence of the arrogance that comes from being in power too long. 

In the meantime the residents having experienced the frustration of having out of town representatives who they see only just before elections remain adamant that the next person to speak on their behalf should be domiciled in the area.

Let’s see how this one will play out.

Budget presentation in Jamaica

It’s budget presentation time again and as usual (or probably more so because of the imminent election) both parties are trying to outdo each other.  Only time will tell  if these proposals are merely more wild promises.  I couldn’t help noticing that niether of the parties outlined how it is that they’re going to fund their proposals.

According to them there’s going to be elimination of hospital fees, free education for all among other things.  It sounds good in theory but in light of our very aneamic financial situation, without some idea how these wonderful plans are going to be financed, it might just amount to sheer electioneering, a vote catching ploy with little intention to follow up. 

I’m simultaneously annoyed and amused that after a budget presentation, there’s a round of cocktail parties to celebrate the occasion and congratulation each other.  But what are they celebrating though?  Our mounting debts?  Shouldn’t these celebrations be postponed until we see some growth in the economy?

In the meantime, even though I’ve registered/attempted to register twice, I’m still told there’s no card for me when I called the electorial office.  My name is still not on the list.  It beats me.  When in disgust, I inquired what’s the point of people getting enumerated if it doesn’t guarantee that they’ll be able to vote, I was told that they’re going to investigate why my name isn’t on the list and call me back.  It’s going on two weeks now and I’m still waiting.

Fortunately for the PNP, it appears that there’ll be one less vote against that administration.