Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

[DAVY]

It might be argued that Jamaica's middle class is now living outside of Jamaica. Jamaicans abroad continue to play a larger and larger economic role, yet they have no political voice. Is it time for them to be included?

- What Percentage of the Jamaicans now live outside of Jamaica?
- Should Jamaicans abroad be able to vote and fully participate in the Jamaican Electorial Process?
- Is it in the interest of Jamaican politicians to allow Jamaicans Abroad (diaspora) to vote?
- Would Jamaica benifit by having Jamaicans abroad participate in the Political Process?

Trying to start a conversation, chatting to you from a fox hole that wi dig out afta the whole eap a snow dat fall dung pun wi and cova wi ova inna farrin

[diabolical_Tanya]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DAVY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It might be argued that Jamaica's middle class is now living outside of Jamaica. Jamaicans abroad continue to play a larger and larger economic role, yet they have no political voice. Is it time for them to be included?

- What Percentage of the Jamaicans now live outside of Jamaica?
- Should Jamaicans abroad be able to vote and fully participate in the Jamaican Electorial Process?
- Is it in the interest of Jamaican politicians to allow Jamaicans Abroad (diaspora) to vote?
- Would Jamaica benifit by having Jamaicans abroad participate in the Political Process?

Trying to start a conversation, chatting to you from a fox hole that wi dig out afta the whole eap a snow dat fall dung pun wi and cova wi ova inna farrin </div></div>


My opinion....if dem (Jamaican's living abroad) naw pay noh taxes to Jamaica then no dem noh fi have noh rights fi vote....why should I who live in Canada be able to dictate how people in Jamacia should live? yes it is easy to sit back and say PNP dis an JLP dat but who feels it knows it an di right yah now di only ting mi can do is feel fi dem but mi naw goh chroo wha dem a deal wid a yaad [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70394-bawlout.gif[/img]

[Wahalla]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DAVY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It might be argued that Jamaica's middle class is now living outside of Jamaica. Jamaicans abroad continue to play a larger and larger economic role, yet they have no political voice. Is it time for them to be included?

- What Percentage of the Jamaicans now live outside of Jamaica?
- Should Jamaicans abroad be able to vote and fully participate in the Jamaican Electorial Process?
- Is it in the interest of Jamaican politicians to allow Jamaicans Abroad (diaspora) to vote?
- Would Jamaica benifit by having Jamaicans abroad participate in the Political Process?

Trying to start a conversation, chatting to you from a fox hole that wi dig out afta the whole eap a snow dat fall dung pun wi and cova wi ova inna farrin </div></div>

Yes as long as they dont live in Kanada.....

[Tropicana]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

The answer is 100% definite yes.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Trying to start a conversation, chatting to you from a fox hole that wi dig out afta the whole eap a snow dat fall dung pun wi and cova wi ova inna farrin
</div></div>

Ditto...I am in EXACTLY the same situation.

[diabolical_Tanya]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tropicana</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The answer is 100% definite yes.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Trying to start a conversation, chatting to you from a fox hole that wi dig out afta the whole eap a snow dat fall dung pun wi and cova wi ova inna farrin
</div></div>

Ditto...I am in EXACTLY the same situation. </div></div>


really Tropicana...soh okay, say it's provincial election in ontario, do you think that all those ontario people who moved to the west should be able to vote still? in both the Ontario election and in the Alberta election?

No mi sis dat noh right AT ALL if yu not paying taxes towards how the country is run you have no right to say who runs it.

[remo]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TanyaZeen</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tropicana</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The answer is 100% definite yes.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Trying to start a conversation, chatting to you from a fox hole that wi dig out afta the whole eap a snow dat fall dung pun wi and cova wi ova inna farrin
</div></div>

Ditto...I am in EXACTLY the same situation. </div></div>


really Tropicana...soh okay, say it's provincial election in ontario, do you think that all those ontario people who moved to the west should be able to vote still? in both the Ontario election and in the Alberta election?

No mi sis dat noh right AT ALL if yu not paying taxes towards how the country is run you have no right to say who runs it. </div></div>

Mi agree wid yuh 100% on dat......in no way should they allow dat

[bee_bop]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

Davy said:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">- What Percentage of the Jamaicans now live outside of Jamaica?
- Should Jamaicans abroad be able to vote and fully participate in the Jamaican Electorial Process?
- Is it in the interest of Jamaican politicians to allow Jamaicans Abroad (diaspora) to vote?
- Would Jamaica benifit by having Jamaicans abroad participate in the Political Process? </div></div>

<span style="color: #CC0000">1. The question of what percentage of Jamaicans are living abroad...nearly everybody who I knew is either; dead, or living away from Jamaica. I am sure a lot of Jamaicans know a friend, or relative, who lives elsewhere, other than Jamaica.
2. I believe that if Jamaicans abroad should vote, their vote should be weighted so that it doesn't have a significant impact on the outcome of the elections. That way local issues remain the main concern.
3. Jamaicans abroad may not be paying income taxes, but they sure as hell pay other taxes, such as: GCT (When they send things to Jamaica, for themselves, friends, or relatives); Head Tax when they arrive, or depart, from Jamaica; etc.
4. It would probably not be in the politicians interests to allow those in the diaspora to vote, but if they (the foreign Jamaicans)were allotted say, a one percent, or less, of the vote, then it wouldn't make a difference.
5. If Jamaicans abroad participate in the political process, they could make some valuable input into the matter of Jamaica's development (they already contribute a significant amount to the Gross National Product of the island, through remittances). Naturally, if their vote were weighted it would merely be a harmless opinion from the diaspora.
</span>

[Sofisa]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

I think they should be.

1 - Being exposed to alternate ways of governance, the diaspora may more readily see beyond some of the hype and false promises as opposed to the man caught up in election fervor.
2 - As mentioned, their contribution to the GDP in of an enormous impact. I believe they should have a voice in how their contribution is put to use by the govt.

[RichD]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

no i dont think they should be.
and i dont think the economic contribution argument holds water at all.

[iches]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

Has much as I would like it to happen, in the end it would not make any sense. It would be very costly, the list would not be 100% and both parties are afraid of this, because they can't tell how much of their members are out and the final count of how much millions that are out there that would really rock the local cart.

Both parties as acknowledged that the funds we send home has kept Jamaica a lived. Some of these people that are here pays land tax.

In the end its best left to those who lived on the island to vote, and not we outsiders.

[DAVY]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

Well so many Jamaicans even wealthy ones in Jamaica dont pay any taxes coupled with so many people who are not making an income that can be taxed. Why shouldnt they be denied the right to vote if that is your argument?

[DAVY]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

Why is it that US Citizens can vote anywhere in the world. Your argument has so value in that if you has no residential status in Jamaica maybe you, you might have restrictions on your right to vote not denial.

If you live in Ontario and Move to another province is similar to if you live in Kingston and move to St. James would you be denied the right to vote in Kingston and St. James. I think you would be allow to vote in Jamaica that is the point

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DAVY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well so many Jamaicans even wealthy ones in Jamaica dont pay any taxes coupled with so many people who are not making an income that can be taxed. Why shouldnt they be denied the right to vote if that is your argument? </div></div>
Probably because the days of poll tax went with the introduction of adult sufferage in 1944?

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DAVY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why is it that US Citizens can vote anywhere in the world. Your argument has so value in that if you has no residential status in Jamaica maybe you, you might have restrictions on your right to vote not denial.

If you live in Ontario and Move to another province is similar to if you live in Kingston and move to St. James would you be denied the right to vote in Kingston and St. James. I think you would be allow to vote in Jamaica that is the point </div></div> The US citizen have the vote while they are abroad,simply because their percemtyage is so small. Iy is a differemnt thingh when we have as much citizens outside as thoze ionside,and a higher persntage woule probab[y be more politically active.
They would in al likelyhood elect a government that they don't have tp experoence the result.
Remember tha this is donme every 5 years. Why don't they wit until they have domocile there then vote?

[DAVY]

Re: Should Jamaicans abroad be able to VOTE?

Jamaicans living overseas could participate in the electoral process similar to the system being used in the US called “Absentee Voting”

<span style="color: #FF0000">“Under U.S. law, American citizens residing abroad may register and vote by absentee ballot in their state of last residence. The designated Voting Officer at any consular section can provide information on the registration and voting process and will help you in complying with your home state's laws. U.S. citizens cannot vote at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General. The electoral process is administered by each individual state and you vote by mailing an absentee ballot to your home state”. </span>

It is unfortunate that when the opportunity for us to unite as a people and use the strength of our Unity politicians and self-interest can and remain the dominant forces holding our country back.


Politicians from both major political parties visit the Jamaican constituency abroad pleading with us to invest in the country and to return home while they remain ineffective in creating solutions to address the major challenges that faces our country. They are and remain successful in the “us” against “them” tactics employed to pit Jamaicans living abroad against those living on the island and the question should be ask why?

For those suggesting Jamaicans abroad are not contributing in a manner that build the country and positively add to the Jamaica’s revenue stream they should take note of the United State AID Budget Summary that states

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/budget/cbj2006/lac/jm.html

<span style="color: #CC0000">“Remittances from Jamaicans living abroad are estimated at over $1.5 billion in 2004. Many believe that remittances have overtaken tourism as the country's leading source of foreign exchange" </span>

Please note this is larger than the Jamaican Tax Revenue for 2005/2006 is reported as 162 million US Dollars (Inclusive of taxes paid by Jamaicans living Abroad) <u>www.businesseventsja.com.jm/files/CGO%20Apr%202005.pdf</u> .The argument can be propogated to illustrate that <span style="color: #FF0000">if it is not for the contribution of Jamaicans abroad then teachers, doctors and a host of essential services would not have the funding necessary to operate</span>. Yet still the sentiments of exclusion run deep and without merit or justification.

It could be that the resistance to include Jamaicans abroad is primarily because it would be more difficult to purchase votes from this segment of the electorate.

Interestingly enough well meaning and thinking Jamaicans still believe this exclusion is not only necessary but remains a good thing.