Perspective: PNP IN DISARRAY … SHELL SHOCKED …

 

With a stunning defeat from the JLP at the polls the PNP is turning on each other. The blame game has just begun. For example an area one meeting held post election … chaired by MP-elect Lisa Hanna has adopted a resolution of no confidence calling on General Secretary Paul Burke to go. Asked to comment on the resolution Burke refused to publicly comment.

Another motion of no confidence against Portia Simpson Miller was defeated.

The reality is the PNP lost 11 seats and the JLP did not lose any it had … in fact the JLP gained 11 seats to add to their 21. The PNP moved from 42 to 31. The loss of seats was dramatic. The PNP retained one of its seats by just 5 votes after a Magisterial recount. The defeated candidate of the JLP may seek an election petition.

JLP’s win of 32 31 does not fully reflect the true picture. The PNP did lose big time. The JLP moved from a virtual impossible position.

It is only natural that the PNP appears to be shell shocked.

Former Speaker of the House Michael Peart publicly expressed his disapproval of the PNP “leadership”. He said the leaders must be held responsible for the defeat at the polls.

The “Ps” are being blamed for the PNP’s loss to the JLP.

Portia Simpson Miller, Peter Phillips, Paul Burke, and Phillip Paulwell. Peter Phillips was campaign director, Portia Simpson Miller, party leader and Pryce, Raymond. Paul Burke, general secretary … not sure the role Paulwell played apart from being a senior party official.

You will recall that Vision carried a story in which Paul Burke said the JLP had a “superior message”.

The perception has been the PNP took the voters for granted.

There is the feeling that the PNP is mortally wounded and should do house cleaning at the leadership level. They say the buck stops at the top or the office of the president. Will Portia step aside?

In perspective it should be noted that this has been the first one term PNP government in living memory. The PNP is used to be in power for more than one term.

Manifesto

The JLP never came off message … they stuck to their manifesto and stayed on the issues of tax relief for the working class as part of their 10 point plan. The PNP had no plan … only to attack Holness’ “Mansion”. The voters were not amused. They saw the focus as vulgar and in poor taste.

The PNP opted to mud sling and character assassination of Andrew Michael Holness now Prime Minister.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie has watched politics in Jamaica for forty years, is also senior international correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.