Is Jamaica changing course?
Written by Marlene DavisJamaica witnessed the closest election race in its history yesterday.
The eight-week long campaign resulted in a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) win of 31 seats to 29 seats win over the People’s National Party (PNP), making Bruce Golding, Jamaica’s eighth Prime Minister.
However, it was not long before the nation was left wondering what the future of Jamaica held, when Prime Minister and PNP President Portia Simpson Miller did not concede victory to the JLP.
In her address to the nation from the PNP party headquarters Prime Minister Simpson Miller announced that the PNP would await the official count today, as the results were ‘too close to call’.
She also revealed that the PNP were concerned by what appeared to be a number of breaches of the electoral rules.
What do you say on this matter? Comment below …
September 4th, 2007 at 3:58 am
I wonder if Mrs Simpson-Miller would have noticed the breaches had the PNP won? Where can we find honorable people these days?
September 4th, 2007 at 4:14 am
Portia and the PNP needs to GIVE IT UP already! They lost fair and square. The Jamaican people were hungry for change and have spoken via their votes accordingly. She needs to concede, go home and drink a nice bowl of cornmeal porridge.
September 4th, 2007 at 4:16 am
Portia has done nothing to make Jamaica any better she has not improve anything for the people she should concede and move on. Give Bruce his chance she just mad she is not the winner. All the expensive trips, bogus money deals, no improve to help poverty, no divisions for the youth its time she moves on.
September 4th, 2007 at 4:22 am
Firstly, the closeness of the election in both seat count and popular votes, shows a country split right down the middle. Whoever is adjudged the final winner, I hope they look seriously at a coalition government for the sake of the people of Jamaica.
Secondly, if by “breaches of the electoral rules” the PM is referring to individuals with dual citizenship being allowed to sit in Parliament, I agree with her fully. The real issue here is sovereignty of the country. If this matter is not dealt with now we could have a situation in years to come where we have a government by proxy, ruled by another country.
September 4th, 2007 at 4:42 am
It will be interesting to see what happens as the official results get published.
This was a very interesting election indeed.
- Lazy Jamaica
September 4th, 2007 at 5:13 am
Jamaica needs more statesmen. To be thrilled in victory, Be gracious in defeat.
These are but some of the indicators of a true statesman (statesperson).
JLP winning by just one vote indicates that indeed the election was very close.
The margin of victory will make it rather difficult to get much done in Parliament.
The speaker will have to be using his casting vote on a regular basis.
Good luck to the new government.
They need to now get the job of running the country, going, there’s no time for a honeymoon.
September 4th, 2007 at 5:18 am
We have definatly change course!!!
September 4th, 2007 at 5:32 am
The results are very close. A recount seems prudent. However, Portia, don’t stir up the masses and be the cause of violence over the election results with your talk about “breaches of electoral rules.”
September 4th, 2007 at 5:51 am
As a jamaican living in connecticut and watch the economic situation in jamaica, I think that it is time to “try a new ting” with Bruce. I feel really sorry for Portia but she is not polished enough to push us forward in the 21st century. She is acting like this is the 1970/80’s, those days are done.
September 4th, 2007 at 6:13 am
Congratulations to the new Prime Minister of Jamaica,Mr. Bruce Golding and the JLP for their victory in an extremely close,tense, and nerve wracking election. RESPECT ! PEACE ! BLESSINGS ! UNITY !
September 4th, 2007 at 6:24 am
I guess god is not on her side GGGGOOOD
September 4th, 2007 at 6:34 am
Portia Simpson should gracefully concede victory because a recount could actually caused the pnp to lose in close races in seats.
September 4th, 2007 at 6:36 am
Mrs Simpson Miller step down gracefully. if you knew that there was breaches of the electoral rules. Why Waite until the horse has bolted then try and shut the gate. JLP won go with it. PNP has b in for 18 years . It is now for a change . and to bring Jamaica into the 21st century.
September 4th, 2007 at 6:38 am
is time for PNP to step down and give JLP a try to Prove themselves.
September 4th, 2007 at 6:49 am
Congratulation to the Jamaica Labour Party on their close victory over the PNP. Now its time to work… to get our nation back to prominence and prosperity. It is also time for this new JLP government to unit ALL Jamaicans across party-lines and across indeferences. The people must also work to make sure that this new goverment does not become currupt and or irrelivant by demanding results and accountability.
One Love
Larry Sindass
September 4th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Portia Simpson Miller should have acknowledged the JLP’s win, and allow the country to move forward.
However, it is simply beyond me. It is downright unacceptable that there could be members of parliament, in either party, who hold dual citizenship. One foot in, one foot out, is cowardly.
The greater concern though should be that anyone in the new JLP government with dual citizenship, should consider giving up their second citizenship now, in the interest of Jamaica. Or, be prepared to lose the leadership of the country.
On this issue, it will be “eggs or young ones”.
If we have members of parliament who have citizenship in other places, those members are subject to the whims and fancy of those government. And some of those government might find it fit to exploit the situation.
That cannot be good for the Jamaican people.
September 4th, 2007 at 7:15 am
An analysis of the results should show Portia that a recount might increase the JLP majority seeing that the PNP won some seats by the skin of their teeth. Let’s recognize the JLP win, give Bruce his chance and move on. We are all in this together.
September 4th, 2007 at 7:41 am
OH please I agree witrh Mrs Miller do a recount America did it so what is wrong if she asked for one after all it is very close some seats wer loss by less than 100 votes. Further more I believe that she should have bveen given a chance top run th ecountry the men have tried someone of them have done better than other s but I wanted to see what Jamaica would be like woth a woman to run the country. She has done a fe things in her short time as PM. I live in NY but I was in JA last week. Look at denham town look how it improve with the aparment complex she tear down the zincs house and build up a nice apartment for poor people. Cornwall Reginal hospital have scanner now an dnew equipments that were well needed. Police have a recreation place, and more things … I;m too tired to write anymore, but U wu=ill close off by saying that God knows best . The bible says that God governs in the affair of man and I believe this.
September 4th, 2007 at 7:47 am
It is obvious that Portia is not the most polished and intellectual person, and therefore, would not be a good representative of Jamaica for such a position. Portia step-down gracefully…at least you’ve tried.
September 4th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Congratulations are in order to Bruce Golding and the other members of the JLP. The campaign message was very clear and indeed Jamaicans have decided to change course. However as you form the next goverment you have to show the Jamaican people that you will execute the proposals made in your manifesto and not allow them to get weary of you.
Some of you from the PNP also need to understand that a jail cell is big enough to hold you and your youthful exuberance.
Pooosha…….. be gracious and concede.
September 4th, 2007 at 7:57 am
LETTER OF THE DAY - Dual citizenship an international trend
published: Friday | August 31, 2007
The Editor, Sir:
LIKE SO many other countries in the global village, Jamaica recognises and accepts the concept of dual nationality for its citizens. In our case, the benefits are significant, not least of which are the huge remittances coming from those living abroad; and when it comes to the dual citizen taking part in parliamentary elections, the trend today is for greater liberalism and flexibility in this arrangement. In fact, any country seeking to deliberately deprive its dual citizens of electoral rights would appear to be stepping in the wrong direction.
Canada’s John Turner, who in 1984 succeeded Pierre Trudeau as Prime Minister, retained his United Kingdom citizenship while in office, and still does. Likewise, Stephane Dion, the present head of the Liberal Party of Canada and Leader of the Opposition, has retained his French citizenship without being put under pressure. He has said that he will renounce the French connection if it tends to hamper his party’s prospects in future elections; but so far there is no big outcry.
The United States (U.S.), often accused of being ultra-nationalistic, appears to be taking a much more liberal view than the People’s National Party in Jamaica. While Americans seldom seek dual citizenship in other countries, there is no law in the U.S. that prevents an American citizen from having a passport from another country. Nor was there any uproar when Arnold Schwarzenegger became Governor of California without renouncing his Austrian citizenship. The U.S. made no fuss when one of its citizens became President of Lithuania in 1997, and it seemed routine when Madeline Albright, the former foreign secretary, was invited to run for the presidency of her native Czechoslovakia. She declined, but not because of any conflict of nationality.
When Michaëlle Jean was appointed Governor-General of Canada she had already given up her Haitian nationality. However, she remained French by being married to a Frenchman an French civil code forbids citizens holding government positions in a foreign country, France announced that it would not enforce the law against her. Nevertheless, to avoid possible controversy, she voluntarily renounced French citizenship two days before taking office as head of state and commander-in-chief of the Canadian forces.
The British who supervised the writing of the Jamaican Constitution are equally accommodating. The Leader of their House of Lords is Baroness Amos, a Guyanese. Jamaican Lord Morris also sits in the British Upper House. I haven’t heard of anyone demanding that they relinquish citizenship in the land of their birth. This I regard as enlightened governance, more to be accepted than covered-up corruption.
Several other countries are following this path and moving away from the old emphasis on insularity. They are, of course, mindful of the threat of terrorism, but fully aware of the advantages to be gained in identifying with progressive globalisation and international cooperation. It would be a pity if Jamaica as a country should announce to the world that its head is firmly planted in the self-centred sands of times past.
I am, etc.,
KEN JONES
alllerdyce@hotmail.com
September 4th, 2007 at 8:11 am
the elections has come and gone the JLP has won, mrs. Simpson-miller needs to concede defeat even though it would signal an to her political career.
if she loves this country there’s no way she would make a speech that will incite violence,by the way did she really listen to herself,how can the people make a decision and she is behaving in that manner? thats disrespect!
let us put country first and party after.
September 4th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Jamaica, remember we prayed. God will still worked out all things for the good of His people. There are numerous amount of Christians living in Jamaica, and praying for a change, if this is the change then, please bear in mind 1Timothy 2:1-4. Pray that our Leaders be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, so we could live a peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. God bless you Bruce Golding, I will always keep you and your advisers in prayer.
Portia, now is the time to live what you believe. You will be declare a winner when you openly bless and release Bruce to do a good job.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Congratulations to the winning party. Lets hope that Bruce will utilize his years of experience to take Jamaica out of its economic mess and continue to improve it. I hope Portia doesnt make any more statements that has the potential to stir up any violence. Jamaica doesnt need any more trouble.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:07 am
Congratulations to Prime Minister -elect Bruce Golding.Mr.Golding has saved the country from bloodbath last night after that tirade of the former Prime Minister Portia Lacretia Simpson- Miller. Bruce had subdued his supporters by calling for them to respect the PNP memebers and supporters.He also stressed the need for UNITY by all the people.
The next Government under the inspiring leadership of Bruce must make it their priority to bring back that patriotic flavour back to the people .The national anthem should once again be sung daily in the schools along with a repetition of the national pledge.Jamaica had lost its patriotic flavour after 18years however we are a people who are redeemable.With good leadership the home and family will once again be recognized as such.Finally Portia must now concede defeat and save the country from turmoil.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:10 am
Without a doubt, yes, Jamaica is changing and must change, if God be God. Jamaica has been in bondage for the past eighteen years and it is just that time. God is bringing a stiff-necked people back to Him and we have to opened our eyes and see it. Living overseas for twenty-six years, my prayer for this election was, God whomever you chose to be the leader for Jamaica , so let it be. If it is the JLP, so be it, if it’s the PNP so be it also and God will still be God.
Thank God for the leadership of Mrs. Portia Simpson-Miller in her time and I pray that God will continue to bless her. I hope this Prime Minister, Honorable Bruce Golding, will put God first in his life and allow God to use him to rebuild Jamaica, our beautiful Island that we love.
God bless all you Jamaicans wherever you are.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Congratulations, Bruce Golden and the Jamaican Labor Party(JLP). Enough is enough. After 18 years, Portia and the PNP need to step aside. What have they done for Jamaica? They have sold off the Country - our airport, beaches, and the Jamaica Public Service to name a few are now foreign owned. Also, take a look at St. Mary, this is the first time the PNP has lost their seat - even though they the have not done a thing for St. Mary. The turned the General Hospital into a clinic so now they have to travel over the worst roads to either St. Ann’s or Kingston to receive proper health care. There is still no running water to the majority of the homes in St. Mary. Also, 95% of the residents of St. Mary are still using pit toilets - which is unsafe and unhealthy. Dual Citizenship in itself is not wrong - what is wrong is not respecting and caring for both countries you choose to be a citizen in.
Portia and the PNP, can you look on yourself and say that you have done your best for Jamaica?
Bruce, I pray you and the JLP will do your best. When you take over the house, please address minimum wages, job opportunities, food cost, and education. Teaching is one of the most important jobs - Teachers hold the future in their hands and need to be paid more.
Peace and Love to All Jamaicans
September 4th, 2007 at 9:59 am
i was most impressed with the progress the country has made when i visited my homeland a few weeks ago. but lo and behold the peoplehave not embraced this progress and decided to change course. what can bruce bring to the table that the pnp has not initiated and done.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Congratulations to the new Government of Jamaica, if it is time for a change so be it as the people spoke with their votes, whether you are a PNP or JLP it is our country that we must put at heart, my only concern will this Prime Minister and his new parliament deal strongly with the crime situation on this beautiful island, we need a better justice system, where it is know that if you are found with a gun you must face some time in prison, if you fire a gun and hurt someone you must serve time and if you kill someone you MUST get the death penalty, I hope the new Prime Minister will not be corrupted and defend the people of his country with dignity, our main resources are tourism, we must keep the monies coming in to the counrty so we must be protective of our resources, Jamaicans are tired of the American lifestyle and wants to come home, but come to WHAT?
September 4th, 2007 at 10:27 am
I congratulate the people of jamaica for changing course and electing a new Governmnet. We should never again have a Governmnet in for so long. Portia should be gracious and concede
We need to unite as a people and support teh new Governmment
September 4th, 2007 at 10:28 am
I must say congrats to Bruce and the JLP. The the drought is over. The last time the JLP won an eletion that the PNP contest was in 1980 twenty seven years ago. Congrats the drought is over.
To Sista P and the PNP good fight. Sista P if you had wanted to win, you should have called the election earlier. You should have called it much sooner after you became prime minister, when you had that comanding popularity but you did not. In Jamaica they use to say “wait kill man” and wait cause you to lose Sista P. If you had called it earlier you would have won but you waited so you lost. Sista P it is time to accept defeat you lost is one.
In regards to people having dual citizenship siting in parliment, if the constitution forbid this, then it is the responsibility of all to make sure the constitution is upheald. I say if anyone of the candidate that won a seat yesterday has dual citizenship if they don’t denounce it, before they are sworn in to parliment don’t allow them to take there seat. If these people want to hold seat in Jamaica they have to meet the requirement. The constitution is our law and if they don’t want to obey the law they should not be in parliment making the laws.
Still on the issue of dual citizenship Edward Seaga Jamaica’s longest serving Parlimentarian gave up his dual citizenship to serve my country. Brother Eddie gave up something that so many Jamaican wanted, US citizenship. Have have listen to people voicing there opion on the issue, Just to note once you become acitizen of the United States of American under American Law you denounce your citizenship from your other country. So take note what while some country like Jamaica recognise dual citizenship of their citizen/former citizen some country does not.
But congrats to the JLP. Anew dawn is now over Jamaica, and my fellow Jamaican remember the promises that Bruce and the JLP made and keep them to it, the PSOJ have taken the lead on that.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Never in our history as a nation have we ever witnessed such a nail-biting, nerve-twitching election battle!
It truly took a great level of wisdom and prudent semantics on the part of the leaders of both political platforms in light of such a very close election. I was quite dissapointed with the way Priminister Portia Simpson Miller handled herself in her post briefing to her party and of course the nation.
Whilst it is acceptable that a recount of ballots be conducted in a few isolated cases, it was totally unacceptable to make comments that could insight violence in such a tense atmosphere.
I was more than satisfied by the carefully guided expressions of the JLP president and by all indications Priminister-elect, Bruce Golding. His call for unity and respect across the board was just what we needed to disable what was evidently a ticking time bomb.
May GOD cover this blessed country and guide us as we move forward into a new era.
Could we be seeing a coalition government in the making?
September 4th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Conceding defeat is one of the gracious things mature party leaders do when they lose an election. This is done in the interest of the country “moving on” with the business of the people. If the current results are unchanged after the official recount, and Mrs. Simpson-Miller refuses to concede defeat, it will be “neither here nor there”. She does, however, remind me of some of the leaders of African states who refuse to go in the face of a defeat at the polls………
September 4th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
I am so happy that I won’t have to pay school fees anymore, just in time for the new school year, no more charges at the hospitals and no tolls……..God bless Bruce & The JLP.
September 4th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Reggae vibe, the man is Bruce Golding,, not Golden. Your opinion on Dual citizeship is not something we need to know about, the constitution( you know that document that governs Jamaica)clearly states that :
” No person shall be qualified to be appointed as a Senator or elected as a member of the House of Representatives who-
is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign Power or State;
holds or is acting in any public office or the office of Judge of the Supreme Court or Judge of the Court of Appeal or, save as is otherwise provided by Parliament, is a member of a defence force;
It would be good for the new government to start by respecting the laws of the land.
September 4th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
The Laws of Jamaica approve and entutle one to DUAL CITIZENSHIP - so what is the beef, really?
September 4th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
TO REGGAE VIBES:
His name might be spelled “Golding” but to us all he is “GOLDEN”. So dont diss the spelling, just maybe the punctuation……
September 4th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Correction: TO JOHN TOM:
REGGAE VIBES has the real correct spelling of Bruce’s last name:
His name might be spelled “Golding” but to us all he is “GOLDEN”. So dont diss the spelling, just maybe the punctuation…… and tek your licks John Tom, like a man,
September 4th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
All those clamouring for legal challenges, let me remind you that the accusations regarding dual citizenship have been circulating throughout this campaign. Voters still elected those persons who were accused. With that said, even assuming that the court sides with you, do you people really think you will win the by-election. READ THE TEA LEAVES, YOU DUMMIES.
September 4th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
TO:Everton Jackson Says:
We already have a country ruled and funded by Hugo Chavez, via Portia!
September 4th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
I think in the interest of the country, they should avoid too much legal actions. In any case, the ruling party should not be the one complaining about fraud anyway.
If they had 18 years there, they had enough time to perform and win without complaints.
Pack up and take a vacation..
We should focus on performance and not personality.. Portia has been there all along, her area has lots of criminals, why isn’t that fixed?
September 4th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Welcomed Change. Thank God. The Honorable Potia Simpson Miller, does not possess the ability to lead us as a nation in the 21th century. She has no vision of her own she was only operating in the shadow of now retired Prime Minister PJ Patterson. In her speech last night she made a broad accusation that it was criminals who voted for the JLP. Her speech was careless and had the potential to cause violence. some how I was not surprized……..
A CHANGE MUST COME……….LABOR PARTY MARCHING ON IN VICTORY…….
Let us all as individuals purpose to play our part in the welfare of our Island Home JAMAICA.