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The PNP seems to have found itself - Observer Editorial
Monday, September 21, 2009
It would be easy to dismiss the public face shown by the People's National Party (PNP) at its National Conference on the weekend as mere PR.
But this newspaper senses a stirring of real renewal in the leadership as well as the rank and file of the Opposition party, in the wake of turmoil and defeat over the last two to three years.
Perhaps the formal introduction to the conference of the party leader, Mrs Portia Simpson Miller, by her bitter rival of two divisive leadership contests, Mr Peter Phillips, could be read as being no more than window dressing.
Then again, such a show of unity on the platform could not have been possible just a year ago when the wounds of division were raw. Surely, that by itself is evidence that the PNP, now in its 71st year, is regrouping to once again position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party.
There are also positive signs that the PNP is in self-critique mode - an ongoing necessity for any political party, but more so for one in opposition. It now seems better able to take on board the recommendations of the Meeks Report, particularly as it relates to restructuring and a return to core principles.
This newspaper is among those with the strong belief that the PNP lost its way in recent years, largely because it strayed from basic principles. Those principles required, among other things, political education of its members and workers, and the maintenance of a strong group structure that catered not just for the interests of the party but of the community.
A major strength of the PNP in decades past was the commitment of its hardcore membership to volunteerism and community activism. Rekindling that spirit in today's world will not be easy, but it must surely be part of the mission as the party seeks to reclaim the promise of its rich history.
We note with interest the seemingly healing role of former party president and prime minister, Mr PJ Patterson, and his call for a "renewal of our energy and of our purpose" and for "rebuilding the national alliance which Norman Manley established in 1938".
We are equally intrigued by statements attributed to the party's treasurer, Mr Mark Golding that the hard times notwithstanding, he is prepared to accept only 'clean' money in the funding of party activities. There is no doubt that 'dirty' money from corrupt and criminal sources have significantly served to undermine the political process in recent years.
For that matter, we wish Mr Golding well. In the context of near-empty coffers and the daily struggle of the party to pay its bills - no secret to anyone - such a principled stance must be lauded.
We believe that in our form of democracy, political parties need time in opposition to rekindle, re-energise and reorganise. It has taken too long for comfort, but we are encouraged by the signs that the PNP is now getting ready to put its time in opposition to good and productive use.
The country is in perilous economic times and the situation could well get worse. The survival of Jamaica's democracy demands a strong, vibrant PNP, ready to take the reins of power whenever the people believe the time has come.
If we are right, the great party seems to be back.
It would be easy to dismiss the public face shown by the People's National Party (PNP) at its National Conference on the weekend as mere PR.
But this newspaper senses a stirring of real renewal in the leadership as well as the rank and file of the Opposition party, in the wake of turmoil and defeat over the last two to three years.
Perhaps the formal introduction to the conference of the party leader, Mrs Portia Simpson Miller, by her bitter rival of two divisive leadership contests, Mr Peter Phillips, could be read as being no more than window dressing.
Then again, such a show of unity on the platform could not have been possible just a year ago when the wounds of division were raw. Surely, that by itself is evidence that the PNP, now in its 71st year, is regrouping to once again position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party.
There are also positive signs that the PNP is in self-critique mode - an ongoing necessity for any political party, but more so for one in opposition. It now seems better able to take on board the recommendations of the Meeks Report, particularly as it relates to restructuring and a return to core principles.
This newspaper is among those with the strong belief that the PNP lost its way in recent years, largely because it strayed from basic principles. Those principles required, among other things, political education of its members and workers, and the maintenance of a strong group structure that catered not just for the interests of the party but of the community.
A major strength of the PNP in decades past was the commitment of its hardcore membership to volunteerism and community activism. Rekindling that spirit in today's world will not be easy, but it must surely be part of the mission as the party seeks to reclaim the promise of its rich history.
We note with interest the seemingly healing role of former party president and prime minister, Mr PJ Patterson, and his call for a "renewal of our energy and of our purpose" and for "rebuilding the national alliance which Norman Manley established in 1938".
We are equally intrigued by statements attributed to the party's treasurer, Mr Mark Golding that the hard times notwithstanding, he is prepared to accept only 'clean' money in the funding of party activities. There is no doubt that 'dirty' money from corrupt and criminal sources have significantly served to undermine the political process in recent years.
For that matter, we wish Mr Golding well. In the context of near-empty coffers and the daily struggle of the party to pay its bills - no secret to anyone - such a principled stance must be lauded.
We believe that in our form of democracy, political parties need time in opposition to rekindle, re-energise and reorganise. It has taken too long for comfort, but we are encouraged by the signs that the PNP is now getting ready to put its time in opposition to good and productive use.
The country is in perilous economic times and the situation could well get worse. The survival of Jamaica's democracy demands a strong, vibrant PNP, ready to take the reins of power whenever the people believe the time has come.
If we are right, the great party seems to be back.
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