Jamaican-Canadians add their voice

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner : Thursday | September 6, 2007

After an engaging campaign and a close general election, Jamaican-Canadians have expressed varying views on the outcome of the national poll.

After an engaging campaign and a close general election, Jamaican-Canadians have expressed varying views on the outcome of the national poll.

Denise Jones, an events promoter, expressed surprise at the outcome.

"I'm disappointed in the loss because she (People's National Party President Portia Simpson Miller) is Jamaica's first female prime minister," she said. "I would have wanted Jamaicans to experience her win on her own terms."

Oliver Forbes, entrepreneur, was not surprised at the result as he believed Mrs. Simpson Miller's performance did not merit her getting her own mandate.

"The people were looking for change," he said. "The former prime minister was expected to be a catalyst of change. People didn't see the change. She did not deliver on it."

March towards prosperity

With the ballots now in, some are hoping for a healing within the nation and a march towards prosperity for the island of more than 2.6 million.

"With the JLP victory I hope that both parties will be able to pool their resources for the benefit of all Jamaicans, at home and abroad," said Ms. Jones.

Sonia Green, a business owner in Toronto, agreed. "I hope that there is a turnaround in the Jamaican economy and we are hoping for the better for all Jamaicans."