Letter of the Day | Political tribalism needs to end
Published:Monday | March 11, 2024 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
Political tribalism in Jamaica is real and needs to end. The wearing of party colours fuels this backward, short-sighted and in some cases dangerous phenomenon. Members of parliament (MPs) from the Jamaica Labour Party and those from the People’s National Party (PNP) need to resist wearing party colours if they want to send the message that they serve all their constituents and not solely the ones who belong to their party.
Seeing current Cabinet members, junior ministers and/or senators in green suits and/or green ties is a big turn-off. It fuels a tribalistic mindset and detracts from issues of critical and meaningful importance. Conversely, Cabinet members and MP, who consistently wear non-party/partisan colours send the right message and over time, such individuals will gain the respect and admiration of well-thinking Jamaicans.
Further, in today’s political arena, until our political culture reaches the stage where Cabinet members or a junior minister and/or a senator sees nothing wrong with publicly wearing an orange or red piece of clothing, and PNP MPs see nothing wrong with publicly wearing a green piece of clothing, then political tribalism and disunity will continue to thrive.
Many years ago, a prominent local high school for girls opted to change the colour of their uniform due to the potential danger presented to the students, particularly during election season. The uniform’s colour happened to be the same as the party colour of one of Jamaica’s two major political parties.
In 2024, political tribalism should be frowned upon by political leaders, representatives from both sides, and by the wider society.
The only colours that should hold any real significance and stir up any emotions to Jamaicans are black, green and gold.
PATRICK GALLIMORE