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JLP backers might just be patriots
Lloyd B. Smith
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
THE most popular buzzword on the cocktail circuit these days as well as in the rum bars is "payback". There is a perception (whether real or imagined) among many Jamaicans that those firms and individuals that contributed most generously to the coffers of the Jamaica Labour Party during the recent general election campaign are now demanding their "pound of flesh". It is therefore felt in some quarters that the Bruce Golding-led administration has had to be paying the piper(s) and will continue to do so if it hopes to remain in the good books of its sundry donors.
Speculative or mischievous as this may be, it is no secret that political parties as well as politicians have to depend heavily on donations from well-heeled supporters if they are to run an effective campaign and then ensure that it is all systems go on Election Day. This is so the world over. But because of a lack of transparency, it is oftentimes perceived that donations come with strings attached.
It is expected that big donors are usually awarded special privileges and concessions, are instrumental in who gets what in terms of appointments, and then there is the whole tortuous business of the awarding of contracts. As a result, during any particular party's reign, it is anticipated that the main beneficiaries of government policies and projects will be its supporters, especially those who helped to bankroll the party's war chest.
The Trafigura Affair brought into sharp focus the many questions surrounding campaign financing, and despite the JLP's intense focus on that controversial issue, having come to power, it has remained uncomfortably silent. I personally feel let down by Prime Minister Golding's seeming vacillation on this issue which speaks to the core of good governance. In a society that is said to be one of the most corrupt in the world, it is easy to conclude that our political parties are corruptible; hence the need for the necessary checks and balances.
Sunday Gleaner columnist Dawn Ritch has fingered the chairman of this newspaper, hotel mogul Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, as being a major donor of the JLP who has set out to take over the commanding heights of the Jamaican society. Her positing is based on the fact that several of Mr Stewart's business colleagues/close associates/employees control or are a part of many influential bodies. The potent question being asked, therefore, is: "Is the tail wagging the dog?"
In any event, who is to say that Mr Stewart's actions are not based on patriotism rather than payback? Is he, like the many others who have allegedly supported the JLP, more hell-bent on being the power behind the throne, or is he on the front-line for progress and prosperity for all who are prepared to work hard and build this country?
For me, it is not just sufficient to question the spheres of influence of potential political donors as a Gordon 'Butch' Stewart. What must be fully examined is the extent to which such intentions or actions are inspired and emboldened by patriotism rather than by ego-tripping and self-aggrandisement. In other words, is it that such persons are primarily setting out to support a political party's bid to gain state power because they want what is best for the country? Is there such an altruistic and patriotic spirit out there among members of the moneyed class? Or is it that they just want to run things their way?
It is a debate that should not be dismissed lightly by JLP supporters as being mere mischief being spread by PNP supporters who are unhappy over the non-realisation of a fifth term. My feedback on the ground is that this is not just a case of sour grapes or the pot calling the kettle black. There is a growing feeling among many Jamaicans that a few well-heeled persons behind closed doors are calling all the shots, and that successive governments in recent times are mere puppets doing whatever their masters demand.
In this context, the Golding regime and those who have helped it to come to power by heavy financial backing had better be very wary of how deep-seated this perception of payback becomes in the minds of Jamaicans because it could have a very serious, if not deleterious, backlash. In a country where over 80 per cent of the citizens are of African ancestry (black), if it is felt that a certain class is reaping most of the benefits by virtue of their wealth and social status, then this could lead to unrest, instability and even a revolution of sorts.
On the other hand, if it is clearly seen that it is the poor, underprivileged people of this country who stand to benefit most from this seemingly unholy alliance between big money and the ruling party, then more power to Bruce Golding and his big donors. It is not sufficient just to talk about competence, performance, economic growth, investments, etc, if all of this is not translated into a better way of life for the average Jamaican who has been subjected to heavy taxation, pothole-riddled roads, crime and violence as well as crass indiscipline and hopelessness for so long.
Indeed, if we are to go by the above-mentioned adage - he who pays the piper calls the tune - then it must be remembered that it is taxpayers who pay our politicians, and more importantly, who elect them to high office. Our elected representatives should first be answerable to us the taxpayers, and not to some megalomaniac holed up in an ivory palace. The JLP had better make sure that after its first 100 days in office it can safely say it has served the people's best interest and not the vested interests of a few privileged persons.
Now is the time for all patriotic Jamaicans to stand up and be counted!
lloydbsmith@hotmail.com
Lloyd B. Smith
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
THE most popular buzzword on the cocktail circuit these days as well as in the rum bars is "payback". There is a perception (whether real or imagined) among many Jamaicans that those firms and individuals that contributed most generously to the coffers of the Jamaica Labour Party during the recent general election campaign are now demanding their "pound of flesh". It is therefore felt in some quarters that the Bruce Golding-led administration has had to be paying the piper(s) and will continue to do so if it hopes to remain in the good books of its sundry donors.
Speculative or mischievous as this may be, it is no secret that political parties as well as politicians have to depend heavily on donations from well-heeled supporters if they are to run an effective campaign and then ensure that it is all systems go on Election Day. This is so the world over. But because of a lack of transparency, it is oftentimes perceived that donations come with strings attached.
It is expected that big donors are usually awarded special privileges and concessions, are instrumental in who gets what in terms of appointments, and then there is the whole tortuous business of the awarding of contracts. As a result, during any particular party's reign, it is anticipated that the main beneficiaries of government policies and projects will be its supporters, especially those who helped to bankroll the party's war chest.
The Trafigura Affair brought into sharp focus the many questions surrounding campaign financing, and despite the JLP's intense focus on that controversial issue, having come to power, it has remained uncomfortably silent. I personally feel let down by Prime Minister Golding's seeming vacillation on this issue which speaks to the core of good governance. In a society that is said to be one of the most corrupt in the world, it is easy to conclude that our political parties are corruptible; hence the need for the necessary checks and balances.
Sunday Gleaner columnist Dawn Ritch has fingered the chairman of this newspaper, hotel mogul Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, as being a major donor of the JLP who has set out to take over the commanding heights of the Jamaican society. Her positing is based on the fact that several of Mr Stewart's business colleagues/close associates/employees control or are a part of many influential bodies. The potent question being asked, therefore, is: "Is the tail wagging the dog?"
In any event, who is to say that Mr Stewart's actions are not based on patriotism rather than payback? Is he, like the many others who have allegedly supported the JLP, more hell-bent on being the power behind the throne, or is he on the front-line for progress and prosperity for all who are prepared to work hard and build this country?
For me, it is not just sufficient to question the spheres of influence of potential political donors as a Gordon 'Butch' Stewart. What must be fully examined is the extent to which such intentions or actions are inspired and emboldened by patriotism rather than by ego-tripping and self-aggrandisement. In other words, is it that such persons are primarily setting out to support a political party's bid to gain state power because they want what is best for the country? Is there such an altruistic and patriotic spirit out there among members of the moneyed class? Or is it that they just want to run things their way?
It is a debate that should not be dismissed lightly by JLP supporters as being mere mischief being spread by PNP supporters who are unhappy over the non-realisation of a fifth term. My feedback on the ground is that this is not just a case of sour grapes or the pot calling the kettle black. There is a growing feeling among many Jamaicans that a few well-heeled persons behind closed doors are calling all the shots, and that successive governments in recent times are mere puppets doing whatever their masters demand.
In this context, the Golding regime and those who have helped it to come to power by heavy financial backing had better be very wary of how deep-seated this perception of payback becomes in the minds of Jamaicans because it could have a very serious, if not deleterious, backlash. In a country where over 80 per cent of the citizens are of African ancestry (black), if it is felt that a certain class is reaping most of the benefits by virtue of their wealth and social status, then this could lead to unrest, instability and even a revolution of sorts.
On the other hand, if it is clearly seen that it is the poor, underprivileged people of this country who stand to benefit most from this seemingly unholy alliance between big money and the ruling party, then more power to Bruce Golding and his big donors. It is not sufficient just to talk about competence, performance, economic growth, investments, etc, if all of this is not translated into a better way of life for the average Jamaican who has been subjected to heavy taxation, pothole-riddled roads, crime and violence as well as crass indiscipline and hopelessness for so long.
Indeed, if we are to go by the above-mentioned adage - he who pays the piper calls the tune - then it must be remembered that it is taxpayers who pay our politicians, and more importantly, who elect them to high office. Our elected representatives should first be answerable to us the taxpayers, and not to some megalomaniac holed up in an ivory palace. The JLP had better make sure that after its first 100 days in office it can safely say it has served the people's best interest and not the vested interests of a few privileged persons.
Now is the time for all patriotic Jamaicans to stand up and be counted!
lloydbsmith@hotmail.com