Oh skites fly di gate

I believe that at different times throughout its independence both political parties have done a disservice to Jamaica. They really are different sides of the same coin. PNP is always the sentimental favorites due to the aura of Michael Manley. But this version of the PNP is not the Michael Manley PNP. Ever since the departure of Manley (God bless his soul) and PJ et al abandoned their bush jackets for designer suits, its been a different party. They have been out of their depth. No underlying ideology. They can talk a lot (perhaps a carryover from the Manley days) but have no idea how to govern. If you don't know, you would think the PNP is a paragon of virtue, but the last PNP administration was corrupt to its core. The supporters won't admit it. They just point at the other side and say look at them. We could go down the list of the many scandals, some or most had devastating effects on the Jamaican economy. Crime was a mess. The PNP response to crime was to raid Tivoli Gardens - twice. The Jamaican people suffered immensely, while the rest of the world was in a bubble. Not saying there is no corruption in the JLP. Far from it. At a minimum, you can say they both are... remember, different sides of the same coin. But I am positive that whatever gossip and inuendo of corruption about this current administration, pale in comparison from the established fact of what happened under the last PNP administration.

Given this and knowing where the country was at the end of the last PNP administration and where the country is currently and recognizing that nothing is perfect, what exactly the PNP supporters were hoping to return to, given that some of those same PNP players are still around. What exactly were you hoping to return to, given where Jamaica is now, compared to when that disastrous PNP administration that created havoc for 23 years was kicked to the curb.

The poor voter turn out was a serious issue but gaining 15 seats was no easy feat.
Mi still disappointed.

In reply to carl0002

Well said, thank you! They are living in the past. You can say many things about Jamaicans, but we nuh fool. Ofcourse the JLP is corrupt too, but the PNP has shown us time and again that they are incompetent. They were clueless when it came to crime, and even worse when it came to the economy. This is a big win for our country.

In reply to 1Desiabnu

To be corrupt is one thing but to be both corrupt and incompetent is a deadly combination with disastrous consequences.

In reply to carl0002



The similarities between Guyana and Jamaica are incredible.
It seems that the poor voter turn out in both elections suggest that many potential voters are more focused on survival, getting a barrel from foreign and getting a visa.

In reply to Brerzerk

Roughly 55–60% of the Jamaican population is 18+ so $2M is a reasonable figure.

In reply to carl0002

Nonsense, Manley himself reverted to suit n tie in the early 90's. He also moderated on certain things. When you don't vote you actually get and forced to take "what you voted for"

In reply to michaelmax

Change the system ? No way will that happen. The Parties can't even decide on Republic status and form it will take.
And the worse thing...The people do not seem to give a hoot about politics in these days. From 37 percent to 39 per cent
voting ..This is more than worrying for the future of democracy in the country.
This is most likely the last General Election I will witness; probably the last one too the country will have . Big guy
Trump mentioned the case in the USA. And Jamaica seems keen to follow the USA in most things.

I am disappointed of course with the PNP loss although they did well coming back from a very state
after 2016. But I am more than worried that the People seem not to care to be involved in a process that
means so much. Not a pretty picture. Very sad about this/...better they don't register to vote. They have that right and
no one can force them to register,at least that has always been the case. Don't know if that has changed in recent times.
In any case, the PNP needs to get over the loss and be a strong and responsible opposition. This could be a significant
part of Markie G's legacy.

In reply to carl0002



This!

In reply to Chrissy

Comrades have a leader in waiting…her name is Nekeisha Burchell…MP Elect for South St James..1st female MP for that constituency….

She is Comrades brightest light..she took down a popular MP and former mayor of Montego Bay…no east feat…Remember the Name

Chrissy & Fan, you both can feel good that in Westmoreland PNP are celebrating. The fact that PNP suffered a loss in the national election matters not, Westmoreland Comrades celebrating. I was just on my way from Sav to Negril and there is a big gathering and nuff cars in motor bikes on their way, waving flags and enjoying themselves.

Still no violence, but it looks to me that the younger people favor the JLP...these people only hear about Michael Manley and never benefitted from free education or any of the conscious revolution. They born cum see black people as doctors and lawyers and serving in all levels of society...they know nothing about discrimination against poor people.

In reply to Chrissy

Given what carl0002 in particular posted, do you mind elaborating on why you’re disappointed? What you don’t agree with in his post?

In reply to HumbleCalf



Spot on. That’s my assessment too…

In reply to hubert

The thing is registration is now automatic and not linked to any election period and the voter's ID is essentially our national ID so ppl HAVE to get it for conducting business etc with govt & private entities so ppl get it for THAT reason, not to vote. And yes the younger generation doesn't really understand radicalism unless they reach postgraduate stage so that's another issue. The truth is anybody born in the 70s onwards are truly unaware of the struggles unless taught to them by their parents because even though they learn these things in school it doesn't connect except for the AFRICAN hair issue with some. So while there remain economic struggles for most-like in the US, we have become comfortable and about self. If it doesn't affect me directly or I can't see how it COULD affect me-it's not relevant.

And that was my point. The parties have NEVER been able to agree on the form of Republicanism and much of that is ideological. The JLP is still more steeped in colonial ideas and insular with the PNP more regionalist in outlook.

In reply to michaelmax

For all those who are celebrating the election results

In reply to FanAttick

In the Jamaican government setup these days I see a lot of family members - 2 Charles, 2 Vaz, 2 Holness, 2 Williams, et al. all Members of Parliament.

If there is no law put in place to protect the Jamaican populace then very soon nepotism will become the order of the day!!

There is a reason why some private companies bar family members from working together in the same entity!

Essentially, what I am saying, if laws are not put in place to protect the populace, ultimately voters will be making a hellish choice!

In reply to XDFIX

Good point..conflicts of interest on steroids

In reply to FanAttick