Jamaica Election 2016 - That is important, Hope!

Growing signs of Unity among Jamaica's Electorate during Election 2016

Roxanne Lammie

Everyone is entitled to their opinion as you said. However, you sound very negative. By the sound of it you are not even in Jamaica, so how can you speak for what is happening now as opposed to when you were here? If it is oh so good why did you leave? Food costs in Jamaica are not very different from those in America. The Price for food is only better in the $ stores or when there is a sale. I have done the comparison. 

The salary scale, on the other hand, bears no comparison and that will need to change for people to manage a bit better. The majority of Jamaicans are tired of going to the supermarket and being barely able to purchase basic necessities. They hope that the change will be for the better. That is important; HOPE. The minute there is no hope in any of the parties then all is lost. The PNP were confident that the Jamaican people liked what they were doing to us and the country based on how long we have allowed them to run the country. 

Changing Posture of Jamaica's Electorate

Most people did not vote in JLP because of the promises they made but to get a change, different perspectives for better or worst. The ruling party, whether PNP or JLP, need to be aware that they work for us and if they do not perform then goodbye.We all need to not vote at all if we are unsatisfied with the representation offered and not just vote to get a particular party in. For that matter, as a part of this wonderful democratic process, we should be able to nominate our MPs instead of those stupid die-hearted party delegates. Allegiance to a party name is stupid as the country is run by individuals. Does anyone notice how they jump from one party to the other at the drop of a hat? We are yet to see what Andrew can or cannot do. We already know what Portia can, cannot and will be doing if they continue to pressure her. Let's hope for the best for Jamaica. Patrece Lammie

Budget Is 'Poison Pill'! testy exchange in Parliament.

Portia Simpson Prime Minister

Andrew Holness speaking in Parliament on as Leader of the opposition Jamaica on the 2012-2013 Budget  the new measures of taxing basic food items were "poison" and had the effect of further impoverishing the poor, "killing businesses" and reducing growth in the economy. "Madam Prime Minister, you played to the fears and vulnerability of the poor and told them you could do better. The people believed you and gave you power ... . With this tax package, the people are slowly coming to the view that you have deceived them".

In a sotto voce comment, a seemingly agitated Simpson Miller charged: "You wreck the economy and put us in this position. I will deal with you on Tuesday. Rubbish!"

Michael Manley

Michael Manley

Michael Norman Manley ON OCC (December 10, 1924 – March 6, 1997) was the fourth Prime Minister of Jamaica (1972–1980, 1989–1992). Manley was a democratic socialist.

The second son of Jamaica's Premier Norman Washington Manley and Jamaican artist Edna Manley, Michael Manley was a charismatic figure who became the leader of the Jamaican People's National Party a few months before his father's death in 1969.

Manley defeated unpopular incumbent Prime Minister Hugh Shearer (his cousin) in the election of 1972 on the platform of "Better must come", "Giving power to the people" and leading "a government of truth".

Manley instituted a series of Social and Economic reforms that yielded mixed success. Though he was a biracial Jamaican from an elite family, Manley's successful Trade Union background helped him to maintain a close relationship with the country's poor, black majority, and he was a dynamic, popular leader. Unlike his father, who had a reputation for being formal and business like, the younger Manley moved easily among people of all strata and made Parliament accessible to the people by abolishing the requirement for men to wear Jackets and Ties to its sittings. In this regard he started a fashion revolution, often preferring the Kariba Suit which was a type of formal bush or Safari Jacket with trousers and worn without a shirt and tie popularly worn by African Leaders.