Coming Soon - Elections!

[Blackstar*]

Portia rated more efficient manager, more knowledgeable than Bruce



More Jamaicans believe Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to be a more efficient manager and to be more knowledgeable than Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, the latest Stone Polls say.

"Mrs Simpson Miller received much higher ratings than Mr Golding on a number of key personal leadership qualities," the Stone Poll Team concluded. "She came out ahead of Mr Golding in all except for one area (See Saturday's Observer for that result)."

The polls were conducted during the first week of August 2006, using a representative sample of 1,496 eligible voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent.

Stone found that 38.7 per cent of Jamaicans rated Simpson Miller as the more efficient manager, compared with 33.9 per cent who gave Golding their vote. Asked who was the more knowledgeable leader, 43 per cent said the People's National Party president, while 35.7 per cent said the Jamaica Labour Party leader.

More Jamaicans also declared Simpson Miller to be the stronger, more honest, more tolerant and more compassionate leader, and the one with more warmth and charm.

Stone Poll Team<ul type="square">[*]Dr Ian Boxill is a professor of comparative sociology at the UWI, a specialist in opinion and survey research and the Stone Poll Team leader.
[*]Dr Lawrence Alfred Powell (PhD MIT) is senior lecturer in methodology in the Department of Government, at the UWI. His specialisations include cross-cultural survey research, political psychology and media politics.
[*]Roy Russell is a statistician and survey researcher who lectures in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work.
[*]Dr Lloyd Waller is lecturer in the Department of Government, UWI, where he specialises in research methodology and etransformations in government and politics.
[*]Arlene Bailey is an information systems specialist in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work, who is involved in survey research.
[*]Wyvolyn Gager, supervisor; Rosemarie Stone, consultant and an experienced force of field researchers[/list]
Tomorrow: Who would do a better job in improving the economy?

Who rates higher in leadership qualities?

Golding Simpson Miller They are the same
Strong 35.7% 43.0% 7.3%
Efficient manager 33.9% 38.7% 8.1%
Tolerant 27.7% 49.8% 6.8%
Knowledgeable 35.2% 40.7% 8.4%
Compassionate 25.5% 56.4% 7.1%
Honest 25.1% 43.9% 11.0%
Warmth &amp; charm 23.3% 58.6% 6.5%

[Blackstar*]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

Golding the one we need
Sunday, August 27, 2006

Dear Editor,
If ever there is a time when Jamaica needs good governance, it is now. If ever there is a time when Jamaica needs good leadership, it is now. If ever there is a time when Jamaica needs Bruce Golding, it is now. Anyone who has any doubts about this should have been on the five-day election tour in early August, or should have been listening to the news.

No longer can anyone talk about a disunited JLP, nor can the PNP gleefully announce that the JLP's political machinery is not oiled or organised enough to lead Jamaica.

Under Mr Golding, the party has never been better; bringing a fresh approach to politics in Jamaica, defending the rights of all Jamaicans, highlighting the scandals and mismanagement that the PNP hugs so dearly to its bosom, and showing the youths of Jamaica a better way towards a prosperous future.

With elections hovering close, we see the animated scuffles in the PNP and the numbers game has begun as they try to convince Jamaica that their own pollster has results showing the JLP trailing the PNP and that the prime minister is as popular as ever.

These are not the only things they want us to believe as the PNP's propaganda machine is revved up. They would have us think that they have excellent candidates all over and they are more than ready for any of the two elections and can "sound the big thing". But the truth is, the PNP is afraid of Bruce Golding and for the first time, the people of Jamaica.

Sadly too, the game of spoils has started and the public sector workers are caught in the ring. For weeks, teachers, nurses and police have been anxiously awaiting an increase in vain. Now, the PNP has decided to put Ivan Pavlov's theory at work. They know that because elections are near public sector workers are going to be salivating more than ever for an increase, as elections under the PNP are linked to water, the fixing of roads, disbursement of funds and meagre increases in salaries.

At the right time, they are going to step in and save us all with the MOU2 - a raise that will be invisible at the supermarket - and sugar-coated, emotional speeches from "Mama P". Do not be fooled by any of this! For one thing, if Bruce Golding had not announced that his party members would not be accepting a raise until public sector workers have gotten a fair increase, the much-loved finance minister would not have stirred. It is evident more than ever that Sister P's candle just cannot shine in the presence of the "Golden Child".

Hats off to the PNP for the cement crisis, the public sector mess, the Scandals Whitehouse project, the handing over of Petrojam to Hugo Chavez and the Venezuelan Government, just to name a few of its major headliners this year. You have demonstrated truly how much Jamaica needs Bruce Golding today and tomorrow.

The prime minister in her usual style some time ago pointed out that her party's old bus has her as the new driver, which can get us to our destination and that it is better than a new bus which can break down. Many of us say that after 17 years that old bus has not taken us very far, and for sure, we are battered, bruised and tired. Let us not become casualties of another road accident on this old, rickety PNP bus with its new, "visionless" driver.

Wendy McKnight
[email protected]

[Blackstar*]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

Watch it, PNP!
published: Monday | August 28, 2006
Garth Rattray

I'm not a partisan individual and I have no relatives or bosom buddies in representational politics but I believe that the ruling People's National Party (PNP) risks being battered and 'Bruced' by the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in the next general election.

When no one is held accountable for repeated corruption, mismanagement, wastage and squandering of public funds (our hard-earned money), it reeks of overconfidence and disrespect for our people. When an administration commits several egregious 'mistakes' and no one offers to resign or is fired, it leads citizens to wonder who is more important, the people or the (supposed) servants of the people.

End result
Even if politicians believe that some decisions were for the good of the country, if the end result is loss of assets, loss of money and more hardships for us all, it bodes ill for the administration. Loans on top of loans on top of payback for loans coupled with the sale of controlling shares in some of our well-established companies give the impression that we have hit rock bottom and are desperately selling off everything in sight to foreigners for a quick buck (to pay back more loans).

Many people tell me that they are disenchanted with Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. They complain that she needs to demonstrate more involvement in the critical issues and that she becomes too vociferous and animated when it's time for a political quarrel (bangarang).

Furthermore, since the new Prime Minister took office on March 30, there's been an uncharacteristic quietude among some party members. This has quite a few people wondering if it denotes protracted sulking or mute protestation indicative of residual discord reverberating in the upper echelons of the PNP.

I believe that, having smelled blood, the JLP decided to embark on an early, aggressive election campaign. It may just pay off if they don't run out of funds, if the scandals, corruptions and waste keep coming and if the new Prime Minister doesn't begin to deliver on her numerous (albeit oftentimes unrealistic) promises (of food on every table, employment opportunities, peace and so on) made in the heat of the PNP presidential race.

Many disappointed citizens feel forsaken by this government so the JLP has been jumping at every opportunity to criticise the PNP administration. It has also donned the mantle of advocate (something Jamaicans desperately need) in an effort to establish empathy and to seek favour with our long-suffering people.

Significant force
Although the JLP has numerous problems, it is becoming a significant force. Problems like: (1) Mr. Golding's vacillation - having left the JLP, he formed the National Democratic Movement and then abandoned it. When the opportunity to lead the Opposition and perhaps eventually become Prime Minister of Jamaica arose, he went back to the JLP. (2) Their legendary squabbling and in-fighting and (3) JLP Members of Parliament who jump ship or cross the floor while casting aspersions in the wake of their very public exit.

Having spent 17 years in opposition cuts both ways. On the one hand, the JLP may well have been typecast as 'the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party' but, on the other hand, many people will have forgotten about the 'mistakes' that they made when they were in power.

I'm not doing the PNP any favours; they already know that too many Jamaicans are fearful and discontented. I only hope that they will see the JLP as a real threat and improve upon their performance so that we, the citizens, can benefit from their reform.

Dr. Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice.

[j-can]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

at the end of the day jamaicans and jamaicans alone will vote for the party of their choice.....the PNP [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
did I say that out loud [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Blackstar*]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img] @ j-can. The PNP needs to be shaken out of its complacency but it doesn't seem the electorate is ready.

[Blackstar*]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

Governing by promises
published: Wednesday | August 30, 2006
Delroy Chuck

The current PNP administration governs, or more accurately, misgoverns Jamaica with promises, platitudes and public relations. It relies on perception, perhaps deception, to induce the people to believe and digest the prevailing political illusion. If nothing meaningful can be achieved, just raise the people's hope that, soon, everything will be put right. Portia only needs her own mandate even while she declares complete support for the existing mandate.

In Saturday's Gleaner, August 28, Tony Becca's column entitled "Thank you, Madam Prime Minister" drew my attention. At last, did PM Portia Simpson Miller do something fantastic to deserve this headline? Oh dear, Tony was simply thanking the PM for another series of promises. "Everything that is necessary," the PM asserts, "will be done."

Limited resources
The PM continued: "Even with the limited resources, I expect everyone to ensure that we will be ready and well prepared." Hasn't Mayor Desmond McKenzie complained for months of inadequate resources to clean and prepare Kingston for Cricket World Cup 2007? The impressive announcement to build a bus park downtown now seems like a mirage.

Instead of empty promises, let's get the city clean and attractive, for Jamaicans and for the thousands of Cricket World Cup fans.

So, the inner-city housing is likely to cost $15 billion to build 5,000 apartments, which means an average of $3 million per apartment.

Which poor family can meet the mortgage payments for a $3 million apartment? No doubt, each will be heavily subsidised from funds that will certainly deprive other poor people. The anticipated massive overrun will benefit the genetically connected but definitely make these apartments inaccessible to the poor. Interestingly, why not finish the complex before handing over a few apartments? With all the pronouncements and public relations, one would think that 252 families have started to occupy the NHT inner-city housing in Trench Town, when if the truth be known, less than 10 per cent have actually got keys.

Financial burden
The promise to eliminate cost-sharing, deceptively made for the 2002 election campaign, fell by the wayside and many poor families still have this additional financial burden to get their children into school. In fact, removal of school fees was a part of the historic bipartisan parliamentary agreement on education but, to the distress and chagrin of Opposition members, that agreement has amounted to nothing but worthless platitudes.

The Government promised to have enough cement on the market in July and definitely by August. At the end of August, the shortage of cement remains a critical problem. How can developers, contractors and builders rely on unfilled promises?

Decent Jamaicans want to see crimes go down. In fact, since May 2005 to now, murders have consistently trended down, from record highs in 2004 and 2005, and not, as some political pundits allege, since Portia became Prime Minister. However, our government mistakenly believes crime can be further controlled by platitudes, public relations and less negative media coverage. Talk will not do, it takes action. Murders have trended down before, only to climb to record highs. With over three murders per day, the society is still in crisis.

Yes, promises will be made but they should be reinforced with sincerity, resources and realisation. The already discredited vocation of politics will continue to suffer if politicians keep making empty, unfulfilled, promises.

Delroy Chuck is an attorney-at-law and Member of Parliament (Note: JLP). He can be contacted by email at [email protected].

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

[ QUOTE ]
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img] @ j-can. The PNP needs to be shaken out of its complacency but it doesn't seem the electorate is ready.

[/ QUOTE ]
The electorate,or the opposition?
It is like saying that the democrats take blacks for granted,when the republicans whole phylisolhy is anti-black.
the opposition does not convince the people that they will represent them if put in ofice,that is why the people are willing to stick with th ebad they know,instead of gamble for what they don't.

[Blackstar*]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img] @ j-can. The PNP needs to be shaken out of its complacency but it doesn't seem the electorate is ready.

[/ QUOTE ]
The electorate,or the opposition?
It is like saying that the democrats take blacks for granted,when the republicans whole phylisolhy is anti-black.
the opposition does not convince the people that they will represent them if put in ofice,that is why the people are willing to stick with th ebad they know,instead of gamble for what they don't.

[/ QUOTE ]

True ting you a seh, Dr. Dudd, true ting.

[Blackstar*]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

More Jamaicans feel economy better, country safer under Portia
Glimmer of hope for Golding - Stone Polls

Wednesday, August 30, 2006



A significant majority of Jamaicans believe Portia Simpson Miller, the People's National Party (PNP) president and prime minister, would do a better job of improving the economy and keeping Jamaica safe from crime than Bruce Golding, the Jamaica Labour Party and Opposition leader, according to the most recent Stone Poll.

On improving the economy, 41.6 per cent of Jamaicans said Simpson Miller would do a better job than Golding (30.7 per cent), while 39.1 per cent said Jamaica would be safer from crime under Simpson Miller than under Golding (27.4 per cent).

"One of the most fascinating findings from the Stone Polls is the public's view of both Mr Golding and Mrs Simpson Miller in relation to their ability to address a wide range of public policy issues. More people felt that Mrs Simpson Miller "would do a better job" than Mr Golding in a range of critical policy issues, including some areas in which one would ordinarily expect Mr Golding to be preferred," the Stone Poll Team said.

"Mr Golding has been presented by his party as a person who is technically competent, possessing strong management skills and committed to stamping out corruption, yet the survey indicates higher ratings for Mrs Simpson Miller on improving the economy, cleaning up corruption, resolving foreign debt, and managing social programmes related to health, employment and education."

The Stone Team said the gap between the two leaders was widest in favour of Simpson Miller in relation to instilling religious values (34 per cent gap), instilling moral values (18 per cent gap) and providing national unity (17 per cent gap).

The polls were conducted during the first week of August 2006, using a representative sample of 1,496 eligible voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent.

The Stone Team suggested that perhaps one glimmer of hope for Golding and the JLP was that, whereas Simpson Miller was way ahead in relation to what is often termed "soft qualities", such as instilling moral values, providing unity; and personal warmth, tolerance and honesty (published yesterday), Golding does much better at reducing the gap in relation to matters such as his knowledge of the economy and management.

"Nevertheless, it is clear that Mr Golding trails Mrs Simpson Miller in the public's perception of his ability to deal with a wide range of policy matters, and in his personal appeal," the Stone Team said.

Tomorrow: Who would do a better job of running the country?

[Blackstar*]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

What's going on in Central Westmoreland?
ASK THE QUESTIONS
Mark Cummings
Thursday, August 24, 2006


After weeks of campaigning - launches by some of the aspirants, house to house visits, schoolroom meetings - aimed at seeking the support of delegates, the hierarchy of the ruling People's National Party (PNP) is yet to say what method will be used to choose its Central Westmoreland candidate.

Will there be a delegates' vote? Soundings? What?
This protracted delay has, according to senior party sources, frustrated the aspirants and party supporters.

The delay has also provided much grist for the rumour mill which is currently grinding the name of agriculture and land minister, Roger Clarke, who worked in the constituency in the 1970s and '80s, and would , in my view, be a worthy replacement for Blythe who vacated the seat a few months ago.

However, the former PNP vice-president is not interested.
"Some people have asked me to run there (Central Westmoreland) but I am not really interested," the veteran politician told the Observer West.

The request for Clarke to run in Central Westmoreland comes against the background of party soundings, which have indicated that none of the five aspirants to replace Blythe will be able to beat the JLP's Russell Hammond in the next general election.

Clarke, a seasoned politician and incumbent MP for North East St Elizabeth, announced more than two years ago that he would not be seeking representation in that constituency in the next general elections.

Consequently Senator Kern Spencer, the junior industry, technology, energy and commerce minister was selected to replace Clarke in that constituency.

Since Blythe's announcement that he would not be seeking re-election at the next national polls, five aspirants - businessman Carey Wallace, attorney Leonard Green, electrical engineer Dr Victor Watt, businessman and engineer Paul Wilson and consultant Paul Buchanan - have been campaigning vigorously in a bid to succeed the former water and housing minister, as the PNP's constituency representative.

Derrick Kellier, the chairman of the party's Region Six, which covers the parishes of Westmoreland, Hanover and St James, told the Observer West that Clarke would be a very good choice to replace Blythe, making it clear that he would give him his fullest support.

"Minister Clarke would get my full support if he decides to go (as constituency representative); he knows the people in the area very well and is a hard worker," Kellier said.

Speculation that Blythe, who held the seat for the PNP for more than 15 years was reconsidering his decision not to contest the next general elections, have also surfaced.
But Blythe, a few weeks ago, made it clear that he would not reverse his decision.

The PNP's deputy general secretary, Julian Robinson, said earlier this week that the party's executive has received "some recommendations on how to proceed" in the constituency.

These recommendations, he said, would be looked at during the course of this week
Let's hope that arising from these recommendations the party will be able to install a candidate in the shortest possible time.

Campaigning, particularly amongst party members, can sometimes be divisive, as was evidenced in the PNP's presidential race earlier this year.
Unity is strength.

[Wardob]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

I am not one to question the polls , but as one who have spent the last two months, among the real people who will make a difference in this election , not those who just have opinions and no vote, but with those people known as registered voters and who intend to vote come rain or sunshine,, I say Bruce and the JLP have nothing to worry about.
But if one wants to take the polls at heart it’s okay, but not Portia it seems as with all the prediction of her Victory she is hesitating to call it . But I understand why , she is an experience Politician, who knows full well what Jamaicans say and what they do in the Polling Station on election day are two different thing.


Just watch the GREEN……….. Watch the GREEN, [img]/forums/images/graemlins/bannana_purple.gif[/img]

[j-can]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img] @ wardob.....You began by saying you did'nt want to question the poll...Then preceded to do just that [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Blackstar*]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

Crime the number one problem facing Jamaica
Bruce tops Portia on public speaking
Stone Poll Reporters
Friday, September 01, 2006



A significant majority of Jamaicans identified 'crime and violence' as the number one problem facing the country, with joblessness a distant second and poor leadership an even more distant third, based on the most recent Stone Polls.

Sixty-four per cent of respondents who were asked what was the most important problem facing the country at this time, said 'crime/violence', followed by unemployment (20.7 per cent) and poor leadership (1.7 per cent).

But when asked to identify the most important problem facing their community, most people said 'unemployment' (54 per cent), 'poor infrastructure' (11.3 per cent) followed by 'crime' (8.7 per cent) and 'water shortages' (5.1 per cent).

Interestingly, only 1.1 per cent of the people said 'corruption' was the main problem at the national level, while corruption did not factor at the community level.

The Polls were conducted by the Stone Polling Organisation during the first week of August 2006, using a representative sample of 1,496 eligible voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent.

Bruce tops Portia on public speaking



More Jamaicans believe that Bruce Golding, the Opposition and Jamaica Labour Party leader is a more dynamic public speaker than Portia Simpson Miller, the prime minister and People's National Party president.

Asked who was the more dymanic public speaker, 42 per cent of Jamaicans said Golding, against 39 per cent who said Simpson Miller.

"It is noteworthy, however, that women were almost split on this matter, and that persons 25 years and younger felt that Mrs Simpson Miller was the more dynamic speaker," the Stone Poll Team said.

This Sunday: The party standings
Last November when the Stone Poll asked voting age Jamaicans which party would they vote for at the next elections if Portia Simpson Miller was leading the PNP and Bruce Golding was leading the JLP the results were:

JLP - 30.8%
PNP- 42.4%

What are they now?

[Blackstar*]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

Skewed priorities?
published: Friday | September 1, 2006

The Editor, Sir:

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller seems more concerned with clearing the name of our National Hero, Marcus Garvey, than with the fact that Marcus Garvey Drive floods when it rains. A telling anecdote that starkly demonstrates skewed priorities. The current Garvey affair reeks of a pandering to the Rasta vote. The Rasta is well known to harbour emotional and even spiritual sentiments towards Garvey.

Upon becoming Prime Minister, Mrs. Simpson Miller's first conquest was the Christian church. Now that the church has been conquered, it's forward march! Time to win over the emotions of the Rastafarian community, which had been somewhat snub-nosed in the Prime Minister's initial overture to Christians. Watch out! The Muslims might be next! It is a smart strategy.

A journalistic search is necessary into the quantum of the sums being made available to attorneys-at-law Stephen Vasciannie et al, for the purpose of clearing the Garvey name. And what is the possible source of funding? Could it possibly be coming from the Consolidated Fund? Whatever the sum, could these monies not be expended on fixing two potholes on Marcus Garvey Drive? Or how about providing lunch to two needy students of Marcus Garvey High?

I am, etc.,
MILTON WRAY
[email protected]

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Coming Soon - Elections!

Only one percent think corruption,it says they are very satute if tiu ask me.