Political mischief makers

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) chairman Robert Montague has dismissed as “mischief” letters going the rounds in the media claiming there is no democracy in the party and that time-held traditions are being trampled on.

According to Montague, he was aware of at least one of the individuals, who he described as a former Labourite-turned People’s National Party ((PNP) supporter.

“I am aware of at least one letter writer who has threatened to send letters to the editors of media houses to tell them about the lack of democracy in the JLP,” Montague told The Gleaner yesterday during the party’s 80th anniversary conference.

“But I can assure you that the party has a robust democratic process, and everything is being done as the party’s constitution sets out.”

According to him, the party’s deputy chairman, Dr Aundre Franklin, lives for the constitution, and quotes it at all times as well as being guided by what it says.

“This is just a political mischief maker trying to sew discord and cause confusion at this time, but it is not going to work,” the party’s chairman charged.

A series of letters that were circulating last week accuse the party of not holding elections for several positions, though those elections should have taken place before the annual conference.

“As a dedicated member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), it is with a sense of responsibility and concern that I raise questions about the state of democracy within our party … One striking observation is the apparent absence of internal elections for key positions such as Deputy Leader or Area Council Chairman. The democratic process is the cornerstone of any political party, and the absence of these elections over the years raises questions about transparency and inclusivity within the JLP,” one letter stated.

According to the writer, the party cannot ignore the absence of elections in numerous constituencies, as the democratic health of the organisation relies on the active participation of its members in selecting their representatives.

Allegiance to Holness

The letter writer alleges that persons holding positions of choice in the party are those who have sworn allegiance to party leader Andrew Holness.

“There have been murmurs within the party that suggest a bias towards supporters of Andrew Holness. If these allegations hold any truth, it is essential for the party to address them openly. Democracy thrives on the fair and equal representation of all members, regardless of their allegiance to a particular leader,” the letter states.

Montague said the writer is a known “letter writer” and has done so in the past while a member of the JLP.

In the meantime, another, purportedly from another individual, charged that the party’s late former leader, Edward Seaga, “was a baby dictator compared to this one”.

“Seaga was a dictator and everybody knows that … . He listened before dismissing you. Compared to our current leader, he was a baby dictator,” the second letter writer charged. “I am very concerned about the way things are going in the party I have served for years. Leaders do not listen to anyone, and it’s take it or leave, which sounds like my way or the highway (words said by Seaga). As a labourite I feel that there is an internal secret service set of people trying to find anyone who is not a die-hard supporter of the current leader … .”

Describing himself/herself as “labourite from him born”, the individual said many persons, including members of parliament, have given up their voices for favours from the party leader and his connections.

One letter used the name “rockstone labourite”, another “labourite from him born”, and the other, “everybody’s favourite labourite”.

Montague, however, said it was all rubbish.

“The persons who wrote that letter have some knowledge but they are being disingenuous. Those letters were written by one person, and we have a fair idea of who they are. They are making mischief because, for the last 12 years, I can certify, there have been nominations for four deputy leaders and one party leader,” Montague explained.

He said nominations take place at least 60 days before annual conference at the area council level. He said there has been no year, and especially in the last 12 under his chairmanship, where they do not occur.

At the September area council meeting, he said, the nominations were properly done. He said, where there are no challengers, the persons are returned unopposed.

He said there were disgruntled Labourites who were told to “go and work their constituencies and divisions and show that they can win it” before they can be considered.

He said a few have not taken the position well.

In further dismissing the “so-called concerns”, Montague said “for the first time in a long time, more than 90 per cent of the constituencies have done their annual report and made their nominations by the end of March this year”.

By the party’s constitution, the annual conference is due annually in July, the JLP’s founding month 80 years ago. However, under the leadership of Edward Seaga, and since, the Central Executive, the highest decision-making body outside of annual conference, took the decision to postpone it until November.

Nominees in the various area councils are: Desmond McKenzie for Area Council 1 (Corporate Area); James Robertson for Area Council 2 (St Catherine, St Mary, Portland and St Thomas); Michael Stern for Area Council 3 (St Ann Clarendon and Manchester), replacing Rudyard (Ruddy) Spencer; and J.C. Hutchinson for Area Council 4 (St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, Trelawny and St James).

He said that, in all four area councils, Holness is the nominee for leader.

erica.virtue@gleanerjm.com