Parliament resumed the business of the Jamaican people on Thursday . In the house of representatives the two parties switched sides with the Labor party assuming the role of the Government while the People’s National Party assumed the role of the opposition.
I am particularly thrilled at the statements coming out of both sides of the political divide.
On the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency in 2008 MSNBC ‘s Political anchor Chris Matthews said on air that he felt a thrill up his legs at the election of the first African-American President.
I cannot lie about feeling a thrill up my leg. I actually don’t, but I’m damn proud of the two political leaders right now , if only for now..
For his part the newly elected Prime Minister Andrew Holness struck the correct tone when he presented himself as a humble servant of the people.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness called on members of Parliament to recommit themselves to upholding the highest standards of conduct in the House.
.“Mr Speaker, sometimes we forget that we are on constant display,” Holness said. “Accept it or not, we are looked upon and expected to be role models and examples of good public conduct. “Every member of this Parliament must recommit themselves to uphold the highest standards of conduct in the House,” he continued. “We can be forceful without being offensive, we can be incisive, without being insulting.”.
When was the last time we heard this refreshing rhetoric coming from Jamaican politicians? In the interest of transparency this medium and this writer lobbied hard for a Labor government in Jamaica, not because I loathe the PNP but because I want whats best for our country.
I believe the PNP has a tremendous role to play in our Nation’s development . It has made tremendous contributions yet it has made huge mistakes as well.
At this time I fundamentally believe the PNP need to re-tool in the interest of our country.
However not to be outdone the Leader of the Opposition PNP Portia Simpson Miller struck an equally positive tone. In her address to the Parliament Mrs Simpson Miller said ” “As the Opposition, we have a constitutional duty to scrutinize the Government on behalf of the people,” Simpson Miller said during her address in Parliament. “We will not fail in performing that duty. We will be strong; we will be vigilant; we will be firm.”
“We commit to being a vibrant Opposition, holding the Government accountable at all times,” she said. “However, we will do so in a manner that contributes to the building of Jamaica.”
She explained that Jamaica cannot be built by the Government alone, or by the Opposition alone. Instead, “Jamaica must be built by us working together”. “We all have a responsibility to operate at the highest standards of decency, decorum and integrity, that is the commitment of the Opposition.”
In the interest of our country I am thrilled at the statements of the two leaders,the boorish and class-less behavior of some party faithfuls outside the prescient of the house should in no way dampen our spirits or make us cynical . Instead we should be heartened that at least for now the heads of both political parties have struck the right chord in the interest of our country.
We can only hope that this kind of bi-partisan goodwill will continue and not merely be a 9‑day wonder.
If our leaders lead the people have no choice but to follow.
I still believe our country’s best days are ahead of her.