Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Leader of the Opposition, Bruce Golding, greet each other before the start of the Jamaica Debates Commission-sponsored national debate at the Creative Production and Training Centre on Saturday. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer
Published in Jamaica Gleaner: Monday | August 13, 2007
Charlene Sharpe-Pryce, Contributor
If this debate were to shape my decision on August 27, I would be singing "me and mi neighbour voting ...", but given that being enumerated and other factors will be critical in deciding 'D-day', both parties have work to do.
'Debate' is synonymous with 'persuade' and Mr. Golding distinguished himself as he spoke honestly, though reservedly, on the issues. He was sharp, deliberate and alert. His use of time was more effective and efficient than Mrs. Simpson Miller's, who has matured significantly in this arena and can only get better over time.
The final of the three debates reminded me of students' answers on final examination scripts I have marked. Both Mrs. Simpson Miller and Mr. Golding prepared themselves by possibly anticipating the questions to be asked and crafting the answers to be given. While Mr. Golding tended to analyse and show in-depth knowledge of the subject matter-defining concepts, using data contextually and mastering the content, on a number of occasions Mrs. Simpson Miller chose the 'scatter shot' approach, which indicates that the student hopes the examiner will find the answer somewhere in all that is written and and as such, will pick up valuable marks. There were occasions though when her preparation paid off as she knocked the questions for 'four runs' and on one occasion on the last question posed, for six. Without bias, Mr. Golding would comfortably pass the examination with an "A-", even an "A", While Mrs. Simpson Miller would have earned no more than a "B", and that is a comfortable pass.
With that said, what were the highlights for me? Mr. Golding's response to the 'trust/flip-flop' issue and Mrs. Miller's defense of her Cabinet options. The questions on garrison, foreign affairs, corruption and crime still need clarity.
