Mark Wignall | No JLP, you don’t need this

I read this week with interest that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is at it again. Carping about the Integrity Commission (IC). The Gleaner reported that Edmund Bartlett and Kamina Johnson Smith wrote to Justice Carol Lawrence Bestwick about the appointment of Roneiph Lawrence to the IC. Their complaint is based upon Dayton Campbell, secretary general of the People’s National Party (PNP), posting a photograph on social media showing Mr Campbell at Mr Lawrence’s wedding. Apparently, they attended university together and have known each other for over two decades.

I happen to have a special liking for Minister Bartlett. Because of that I felt deep disappointment. Let us understand a simple thing. Jamaica is a small country. Jamaica has an even smaller class of educated professionals. All the educated professionals know each other. All the connected people in Jamaica know each other. All the rich people in Jamaica know each other.

The communication from Bartlett and Johnson Smith allegedly did not question Mr Lawrence’s professional qualification or his right of association but still raised concerns about his appointment. Is that logical? If Mr Lawrence is qualified and you bear no grudge as to who he associates with, what is your concern. If Mr Lawrence were friends with or knew JLP party secretary Chang, would there be a concern?

The IC performs a critical function. Jamaica’s democratic foundation and health is dependent on a strong, independent IC. Mr Lawrence and Mr Campbell knowing each other does not mean Mr Lawrence cannot do a fair and impartial job.

We know that.

JLP AND PM HOLNESS ENJOYING GOOD NEWS

When a sample of the citizens of a country tell you that they are upbeat on the economy, it probably means that if an election should be held now there is more than a possibility that they would vote for the party in power.

At the same time as they are making this judgement a few small businesses are saying that they are seeing dark clouds on the horizon. Since the early 1980’s I have conducted multiple business surveys and a few negative ones do not necessarily translate to negative political responses.

One of the strong points operating now is the reality shoring up the resort industry. Growth is the operative word and as much as previous years have spoken to workers complaining about insufficient pay, young minister Delano Seivewright has done yeoman work in settling many negatives in the industry.

The PNP needs a survey strongly indicating that voters under 30 are pushing strongly for supporting that party. That party already has the 65 and under support but because the JLP is charged up on seeking and grabbing the younger voters, that is basically where the main energy is.

The JLP and the PNP are both convinced that they are in charge of the bright, the Intellectual and those ready to lead the charge into the political future. A few years ago, young men like Damion Crawford in the PNP made waves as he tossed aside his institution-side and lost for the PNP.

The JLP played to the middle, exposed little of itself but did just enough to make the PNP scream and holler and lose in 2020.

Given all we know about the next election, which is not much beyond the great road repairs caper but a plan to give the JLP its third straight term. It seems that the party may have to dig quite deeply to attain that miracle it seeks.

ANOTHER BRIGHT SPARK AGAIN

Recently, Dana Morris Dixon, minister of education, skills, youth and information, opened the debate on the long-awaited Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) bill in the Senate marking a pivotal moment in Jamaica’s ongoing education reform.

Described by the minister as “long overdue,” the JTC bill has been two decades in the making and represents the most significant legislative step towards professionalising the teaching sector in Jamaica’s history. The bill seeks to establish a robust legal framework for the regulation, registration, and licensing of teachers while advancing national and international standards for teacher quality and accountability.

“Teachers are the cornerstone of national development. This legislation ensures that those entrusted with shaping young minds are qualified, supported, and held to the highest professional standards.” stated Morris Dixon during her opening contribution.

Morris Dixon is very definitely one more to watch. In the JLP.

Mark Wignall is a political and public affairs analyst. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and mawigsr@gmail.com