PNP proposed candidate not on Voters’ List

[Lazie]

This has to be a joke! Yet jokers a talk bout 5th term?



Eyebrows are being raised in the People's National Party (PNP) over revelations that Lisa Hanna who is tipped to be the candidate in South East St. Ann does not have a vote.

It is understood that Ms. Hanna was not enumerated in the recent exercise, and as a result is not on the Voters' List and cannot vote in the next General Election.

This has placed the leadership of the PNP in an embarrassing position as sources say the final processes are being undertaken to install Miss Hanna as the next election candidate, amidst opposition from pockets of supporters in the constituency.

But highly-placed party sources are already moving to put a positive spin on this latest development.

RJR News was told Miss Hanna voted in 2002.

It is being claimed that Miss Hanna left the island and was not present for the protracted re-verification exercise between 2004 and 2006.

Insiders claim that she did not understand the process on her return to the island.

The party is expected to dispatch a statement on the issue shortly.

In the meantime, Ms Hanna's critics within the party say she is not setting the best example for the voting public.

They argue that if everyone took her route, there would be no one to cast a legitimate vote.

Party members are also not amused by reports that she is still a member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) affiliate Generation 2000.

It is understood that Miss Hanna has not formally cut ties with that organisation and is being described as an inactive member.

Under the Constitution of the JLP, members who join rival political organisations are automatically booted.

[MdmeX]

What the heck they mean "she did not understand the process on her return to the island". What a DUMB statement to make. Suh what, she suddenly join the "Clueless" gang.

I think they are trying too hard to foist this woman on the people. For once, why can't someone who live & suffer in the area, represent the division!! The people of SE St. Ann, should not Backdown with their decision.

[Mosiah]

How yuh feel about Vaz and Dabdoub in Portland?

[Assasin]

At least Vaz has been there for at least 2 years.

Two brethren of mine from the area with them MBA was interest to run. These kids are very influencial in getting support for community projects and schools. Them campaign in the area but as Balla say them man deh can't run so make we see what the town man dem a go do. One thing mi can tell you them have fi go run way after one term if them nuh do right with the people.

[Karl]

At least Vaz has been there for at least 2 years.

Two brethren of mine from the area with them MBA was interest to run. These kids are very influencial in getting support for community projects and schools. Them campaign in the area but as Balla say them man deh can't run so make we see what the town man dem a go do. One thing mi can tell you them have fi go run way after one term if them nuh do right with the people.

How long Lisa Hanna in St Ann?

...and, does Vaz and Lisa Hanna have a home outside of the respective contituencies which they hope to represent?

You would be surprised to see how many MPs live outside of their constituency!

So Lisa does not have a vote. It would be great if she did...not the way to go, that not having a vote...but, does having a vote make her a better candidate? Would having a vote make her a better worker for the consituents and therefore the constituency?

[Karl]

Just found this - Gleaner EDITORIAL:

The chimera of democracy
published: Saturday | June 9, 2007


We do not presume to know the intricacies of the decision making in the People's National Party or the organisations that offer themselves for state power in Jamaica, but we do have a deep interest in the kinds and quality of the decisions that they make. For in that political parties entreat people to entrust them with great authority to make decisions over their lives, they cannot presume themselves to be private clubs, closed to the scrutiny of the public. That fact is particularly obvious at times like these, when they are campaigning for elections.

It is in that context, therefore, that we note with particular interest the row that has broken out anew over the selection of a candidate to represent the party in the constituency of South East St. Ann, and resistance by elements in the constituency to the party's latest choice, the former Miss World, Lisa Hanna.

During this past week, much has been said and demonstrations have been held in the constituency over what has been claimed to be a high-handed imposition of Miss Hanna by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller . Not least of the arguments against Miss Hanna is that she does not live in the constituency, and that she has in the past been a supporter of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) with no history of work in the PNP. There is also the other matter that the constituency party members would like to have a candidate of its choice.

The first two points, which we can only assume to be badly tainted red herrings, are easily dismissed. The fact is that few parliamentary representatives of this, or previous parliaments, actually live in their constituencies, and there is no rule, either in the country's or the PNP's constitution, which says they must. In any event, residence in a constituency does not guarantee effective representation as, indeed, living outside the constituency cannot automatically negate effectiveness.

As to previous party support, which we assume in Lisa Hanna's case is largely a reference to her past marriage to the former JLP senator, Dr. David Panton, that we feel is a chimera, a matter of little substance, conjured up by the St. Ann group in an effort to have their way. In fact, it is almost laughable for anyone in the PNP, or any other party in Jamaica or elsewhere, to complain about people's shift of support, change of political allegiances or crossing of the parliamentary floor.

Perhaps, there are some legitimate concerns by the South East St. Ann constituency party members about decision making in the PNP, reflecting a need for deep constitutional reform in the party. We, however, feel that the resistance is not about Lisa Hanna but something far more deeply cynical.
After all, elements in the South East St. Ann agitated against, and finally pushed out the sitting MP, Tourism Minister Aloun Assamba, and effectively derailed all other potential replacements nominated by the central party.

But while we are unconvinced that the complaints from the St. Ann group are sufficiently grounded in legitimate concerns about the democratic process, Prime Minister Simpson Miller also undercuts her own stated commitments to these principles. If there are specific causes for concern about the character of the pervious contenders for the post, surely, as party leader, she should be able to present cogent arguments to persuade the dissenters to reconsider their position. Either you support the democratic process or you do not.


The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.

[Assasin]

Lisa has not been campaigning in St.Ann. Vaz has taken up the people's issues from 2 years ago. The people who she is about to represent don't know her so don't act like a the same thing.

[Mosiah]

I am not convinced that Vaz or Dabdoub give a rat's ass about the people of Portland.

[Assasin]

maybe not but at least Vaz knew where West Portland is from two years ago and him can tell you the condition of the people. I doubt Daboub or Lisa Hanna can as they are just selected, not elected a few weeks before election.

[MdmeX]

maybe not but at least Vaz knew where West Portland is from two years ago and him can tell you the condition of the people. I doubt Daboub or Lisa Hanna can as they are just selected, not elected a few weeks before election.

Agree wid you Sass - at least Vaz was not foisted on the people a few weeks before election.

[Mosiah]

Is there a statute of limitations as to how soon they should be foisted on the people?