JLP Manifesto

[papaD]

Now we are getting to it

http://www.jamaicalabourparty.com/manifesto/index.htm

I think this was a big picture manifesto setting out a goverment that should not run out of steam. The devil will be in the detail and what will the key priorities be out of this document.

I think the PNP are going to struggle to have a document that can match this either way it is a coup. However, the intellect might still not win over the heart is my fear.

However, I cannot help but think that the PNP seems on the face of it more culturally connected to the people. The JLP might be stuggling to connect offering something substantive.

What say others?

[evanovitch]

Re: JLP Manifesto

someone explain the benefits of the offshore tyrie to me

[papaD]

Re: JLP Manifesto

From what I can understand

The offshore thing sounds like a special economic zone that they have in China. It seems to attract investment like off-shore places like Cayman and Bemuda - I guess it is a way to kickstart investment. I could be wrong on this however - I am not an economist!

[evanovitch]

Re: JLP Manifesto

i am trying to understand just how this avenue of investment will do anything different from the others....to me, the strata of people who need jobs will not be employed in these banks...the investment monies will go to pay off the exorbitant debts we currently have...and i have to wonder, with JLP being out of power for so long, will their grassroot be willing to do things for Jamaica this time, as opposed to 'fi wi time now'

i juss dont see any profound change in the personalities in play...a lot of talk from all sides but no really personal growth an change from the people who suppose to do better..and this is on both sides...

[Q3210]

Re: JLP Manifesto

When I heard Bruce Golding presenting the JLP manifesto, it left me proud. I heard a man who has a passion for Jamaica for Jamaica to advance and rise.
I heard a man well read knowing what he was talking about from A for agriculture to Z with zest.

From what I have seen and heard of the PNP and their leader, they will have to muster all the speech writers in the land to offer any semblance to what Golding presented on Monday.

It is up to Golding to be as good in implementing and adding, refining the manifesto as he hears from other thinkers in the weeks coming and moreso when he becomes the Prime Minister of Jamaica on the 27th of August.

For all that he has said, it is for him to be mandated to carry out and implement by further extending his leadership qualities as all Jamaica will scrutinize his moves.

[papaD]

Re: JLP Manifesto

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial...S_EXCITING_.asp

The observers Emancipation day editorial maybe a little lukewarm and not a ringing endorsement.

Hmmmm

[johnnycakes]

Re: JLP Manifesto

Absolutely no doubt in my mind that if elected the JLP with Golding at the head will solve all of Jamaica's problems.
I know this is true because I just read the manifesto.
Well, okay maybe not ALL of Jamaica's problems but most of the big ones mentioned like universal healthcare, poverty alleviation, jobs creation, a safer Jamaica and establishment of financial centers for big business,

Well....okay maybe not universal healthcare, or poverty alleviation, or jobs creation or a safer Jamaica.

But for sure, establishment of good deals for big business which will create lots of jobs.

Well...okay maybe not a lot of jobs but at least a couple of hundred for the relatives of the big business owners and for sure a lot of money for a few smaddies.


OH..... I forgot political reform so that Jamaica becomes a democratic country where the voters get what they want and not what is presented to them as a fait accompli by the party hierarchy.

Well.... okay ......

You can guess the rest.

As Tuff Gong would say; "YAAAAAWN"

[johnnycakes]

Re: JLP Manifesto

Just so nobody gets the idea that I'm picking on the JLP, the following also applies:

Absolutely no doubt in my mind that if reelected the PNP with Portia Simpson at the head will solve all of Jamaica's problems.
I know this is true because I read their old manifesto.
Well, okay maybe not ALL of Jamaica's problems but most of the big ones mentioned like universal healthcare, poverty alleviation, jobs creation, a safer Jamaica and establishment of financial centers for big business,

Well....okay maybe not universal healthcare, or poverty alleviation, or jobs creation or a safer Jamaica.

But for sure, establishment of good deals for big business which will create lots of jobs.

Well...okay maybe not a lot of jobs but at least a couple of hundred for the relatives of the big business owners and for sure a lot of money for a few smaddies.


OH..... I forgot political reform so that Jamaica becomes a democratic country where the voters get what they want and not what is presented to them as a fait accompli by the party hierarchy.

Well.... okay ......

You can guess the rest.

As Tuff Gong would say; "YAAAAAWN"

[Wardob]

Re: JLP Manifesto

Hey Johnny you killing me, why not wait for the PNP to publish theirs, but why do I suspect it does not matter you expect no better for the Country.
But hey you should at least admit it’s a well thought out written document masterfully and intelligently presented. Now let the democratic process of critique begin

[johnnycakes]

Re: JLP Manifesto

Wardob,
The JLP manifesto was , as you said well presented and broad in scope so as to include all facets of Jamaican life and problems.

That said, even a casual reading of it reveals it to be nothing more than a wish list full of what has been shown in the past to be pipe dreams.

With the debt soaking up that huge proportion of the available money, there is no way that many of those very many plans can be put into action.

Nothing has changed very much during the PNP reign of the past that would enable any such plans to be put into effect or THEY would have done at least some of those more obviously needed things done and the JLP would not stand a snowball's chance in Hell of getting in.

As it is which is how it always seems to be, the JLP can point out innumerable faults with the country which of course, they lay at the PNP's door and they might get in based on the selling job they do to convince the Jamaican electorate that they will bring in the changes needed so badly.

In the end neither they nor the PNP have the resources to do anything like what is presented in their respective manifestos.

Oh to be sure, they'll start off grandly, launching this or that grandiose scheme but these inevitably fade or fail and things will continue as they are giving plenty of ammunition to their opponent's next electoral campaign to replace the "incompetents".

What is sadder is the hoopla and the dance party atmosphere that pervades the political rallies and which precludes any serious discussion of things that matter and the fact that apparently the Jamaican people go right along in accepting that circus that passes for political discourse.

Even the relatively informed and intelligent posters in this forum seem to be wrapped up, caught up in the charade and talk as if they actually believe that THIS time the PNP or JLP mean what they say, mean what they promise.

If one's spouse were as unbelievable and told what turns out to be either lies or false promises as frequently as do the twin parties, there would be few intact marriages.

Just what does it take to make the Jamaican (or U.S. ) people see what is real and what is smoke and mirrors?

[Q3210]

Re: JLP Manifesto

The JLP`s manifesto can be made true to life only if Golding commits to his words by stern leadership.
The electorate have its part to play especially those grouped in the Private Sector Org of Jamaica, the Ja. Manufacturers Assoc. The Small Business Assoc Of Ja. and all busieness affilitated entrepeneurs as well as the churches of Jamaica. These bodies of people must see that Golding holds his words.
A leader who can instill HOPE deserves a new begining, and a chance to prove his mettle.
Other wise, vote him out in 5 years time.

We the people must see to it that any leader that offers him-herself as a servant to the people demonstrate due dilligence as a leader.
A leader can dance and prance on a campaign platform because they have nothing to offer after 18 years.
What possibly can the PNP come with in their manifesto that will be questioned as to why in 18 years all of a sudden in 4 weeks they are presenting to the people.

The PNP has run its course. Portia quite rightly says she is, "Not Changing No Course" because as she puts it there is NO Course to change.
A blunderer of a leader she was put in office by a popularity contest of PNP delegates over 12 months ago only for it to be seen that she is not a leader but a mere follower.

If Portia had called elections within a few months of her Prime Ministerialship she would have stood a better chance to attaining a 5th term for her tribe.
As each day passes, it is seen even by the blind that she is not of the quality that Jamaica requires to be led.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: JLP Manifesto

I have not been able to closely analyse the details of the manifesto. But I know that for what I see, there is no machinery to really move the country out of the economic stagnation it is in that manifesto.
Jamaica is not going to become an economic boom town because they introduce Tax free financial center..
Hey Cayman GDP is a value of US$160 million. Jamaica GDP is US$12,billion..
Cayman is being used as some ideal economic system, but although their per capita GDP is 10 times Jamaica's. their population is only 40 thousand. While Jamaica with a population of approx3 million and a per ca pita GDP of US$4 thousand. Jamaica is still much wealthier than cayman.
Now how much will this offshore financial center increase the Jamaican GDP? And how much benefit will the country derive from it?
Just as how for the last 5 years I have been the only one saying that the US economy was floating on an economic bubble supported by loans. every body and them preacher said I was wrong. I am saying it now. I have not seen any plan to improve the Jamaican economic position in what I have seen of the manifesto so far.
You can't expect business people will all of a sudden decide to behave in a socially responsible way, just because you give them breaks. It does not work like that Evidence can be found if you only examine what the republican government of the time did, and it result in the great depression.
they gave the business class all they ask for, and the business class take and the result is the economy went in a nose dive, that caused the stock market to crash.
The reast is history.

[Wardob]

Re: JLP Manifesto

Well said Johnny, and I will say one of the better pieces I have seen you written about the Jamaica and its politics. But what are you going to do my friend, your alternative was tried unsuccessfully. The third party argument is just that argument, it too tried and fails.

I agree Manifestoes have come and gone with little or nothing from its content. However the people demand them, so there it is, let the debate begin. What was so masterfully presented is hope, hope for the Country as Mark Wignall wrote “ We are led to believe that much of the development which we thought was improbable is very likely to happen under a Prime Minister Golding”

“However, I cannot help but think that the PNP seems on the face of it more culturally connected to the people. The JLP might be struggling to connect offering something substantive” …PapaD

More culturally connection? I know its your opinion but if you don’t mine can you expand on it a little more and where do you see the JLP is struggling?

Let me say this with all due respect PapaD, Bruce is not into popularity or a Mr. or Ms. Congeniality contest, we have seen where Michael Manley charisma and popularity lead and gave us. Governing Jamaica at this time is a serious business, “what do we want in our leaders? Sensible leadership? The ability to reason with us as we work through our problems in search for solution? Do we want a Bruce Golding who fits the bill, or are we into visiting a stage show to watch Portia dance and blow cow horn?”….. Mark Wignall

That should be the thinking, questions on the mines of every Jamaican the second before he or she cast their vote

The JLP have dropped its first shoe wait for the second shoe to drop “The debate” between Portia and Bruce I am certain some comrades will be holding their heads in shame for weeks.

Miss you Bro. Tuff……. stay strong, peace

[papaD]

Re: JLP Manifesto

Wardob

I entirely agree with you - substance over style is my choice but is it for the current Jamaican electorate? I really hope so for them! Are they sleeping into a 5th historical term or choosing a fresh chapter?

The whole cultural thing of dance/tunes etc seem to be milked for all that it is worth from the PNP. The radio ads this week have been coming thick and strong from churchy/gospely/singspiration, soca/ragga, middleoftheroad tunes. The power of music cannot be underestimated [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/dizzy.gif[/img] - this cannot be ignored from an election winning machine. On that front the PNP seem to have a more diverse mix here in tapping into the 'cultural' psyche connecting the electorate.

I am not saying this needs to be copied - but political wisdom says this cannot be ignored.

Bro Wardob - I also think if I was an election strategist - I would have had a string of ads like the Baugh one that dealt with Education, Crime/Justice and most importantly the economy on the radio ads especially after the manifesto highlighting the key issues with the pithy tune stuff interspersed. The JLP ads are already talking about victory - a little premature with nomination day not yet here in my humble opinion and a three week campaign ahead. Is this campaign peaking too early maybe?

This election I believe boils down to three weeks that need to be confronted by either election strategist
Head, Heart and Religiosity - The third one I say reluctantly, but the peoples of faith could be the swing voteres that decide this and on which the election might be won or lost in my humble analysis.

The sentimentality is being played about the People's mandate through Portia(a woman) - No Labourite can ignore this as this stuff is all subliminal and powerful(maybe dangerous-but it works see black man time/fresh prince). You cannot ignore past campaigns - I don't think it was just Mr Seaga though that was part of it - it was a team thing. Portia's team has made it the leadership thing that it is - the JLP team are not playing to that - A team and getting the government in waitings team out and re-introducing them to the public so important. You see where is Omar, Peter, Maxine what team does Team Portia really have?

The PNP seem on the face of it that they are winning the propaganda war maybe because they are keeping things simple and playing to their trump card 'Portia' the P-Factor is a biggie and its what the people know for the last generation PNP and Portia - Is it a case of better the devil you know? This electorate seems to be a heart one though I really want to be proved wrong! If you have a battered syndrome excuse the analogy and apologies if clumsy - head tells you get out - heart says it will get better and stay.

I know this may sound depressing - but I hope it expands the question bro Wardob.

My own view is that any perspective administration if it is serious about taking power after 18 years need to look at UK Labour Party and Blair and how he revitalised the labour party to be one of governance not opposition - it was not about Time for a Change but - That was not enough and is not enough in a campaign - they had to convince the electorate that they had all bases covered to govern and be fresh/new and the slogan was 'Things can only get better'. They also had to have an electoral machine that was able to fight and set the agenda and a huge electoral war chest and be simple in their pledges (a pledge card was given as a contract with the people). Also this fight took time. It was really only after 3 years that Blair could take on PM Major after 18 years.

Like I said, I could be wrong -
The manifesto now needs to have five key arteries of life for the nation that catches the JA public imagination. The key word would be around Security. The biggest issue is security all around to deal with so much insecurity - I have to say that Mr Smith does not engender this and I feel he might be a weaker link - Macmillan should be there if I were Bruce especially in Government.

Secure and free Access to Healthcare
Secure and free funding for education
Secure communities in relation to crime
Secure Economy leading to growth,development and stability
Secure infrastructure leading to investment

People need to feel secure in this election and the issue to conquer is fear of the unknown. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70374-lipsrsealed.gif[/img]

[johnnycakes]

Re: JLP Manifesto

papaD,
In mentioning religiosity I think you may have hit on the basic underlying problem with the Jamaican electorate and that is faith in authority that is not based in reality.

Those who believe in Gods that exist only in their faith, in their minds and not on empirical evidence are also prone to belief in the honesty, good intentions, wisdom and leadership of those powerful in the politics of the country and for the most part, with as little empirical evidence of that wisdom as is shown by God/Jesus/Jah.

In fact, I could argue that while that the God that people pray to acts more like an absentee landlord and has left us to our own devices once we were created, the politicians have gotten us deeper into the mire with actions that are readily apparent and there really is no excuse for letting them continue to drive Jamaica and it's people down.
Just as atheists and agnostics stop praying to the absentee landlord that has forsaken us, voters should also declare the political system one that has no interest and/or ability to change things for the better

I hesitate to call it childish reliance on authority but not taking one's fate into one's own hands is at least as irresponsible and socially backwards as the thinking of a child.

And no, Jamaica did not try Manley's way which was a few feeble steps toward a socialist economy which were fought tooth and nail by the United States which in the the middle of the Cold War against communism/socialism was not about to let Jamaica go that way. They would not abide another Cuba..

The U.S. was not alone in it's subversion having plenty, plenty support from the rich and powerful, the media (owned by the rich and powerful) and by a large number of Jamaicans taken in by rumours, lies and propaganda spread by the CIA and the complicit 5th column Jamaicans acting both wittingly from the top and unwittingly from the bottom to destroy the one hope Jamaica has had to turn things around.

Like in other countries such as Nicaragua where the U.S. destroyed revolutions and made promises of aid and a better life under capitalism, Jamaica has gotten deeper into debt, it's infrastructure and healthcare and educational institutions crumbling and has become so much more a violent a society as to defy recognition as the Jamaica that existed pre-1980.

All this is quite eveident yet here we have once more the electorate dancing, singing and believing in or at least giving some credence to the impossible pipe dream manifestos put out by the very people and parties that have made such a mess of Jamaica.

Yet, evidently this is what the Jamaican people want.

It is high time to think and act like reasonable adults and stop believing in duppies, Santa Claus, capitalism and all the other fictions and false prophets such as are found in the PNP and JLP manifestos and leadership.