Manifestos missing the mark

Robert Wynter, Contributor

A manifesto is intended to convince voters that a future administration will provide the right environment and the right level of support towards the achievement of Vision 2030. To this end, the manifesto should clearly articulate five-year and annual performance targets to which we should be able to hold the administration accountable.

It must include the major strategies and initiatives to achieve those targets; and it must demonstrate that a future administration has the capacity and capability to deliver on the strategies and initiatives.

The National Democratic Movement manifesto on the party's website has not been updated since 2002 and, therefore, no analysis was done. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will publish its manifesto no later than tomorrow. However, that party has, instead,
released a document highlighting the party's accomplishments over the last four years.

MGPPP Manifesto

The Marcus Garvey People's Political Party (MGPPP) manifesto, which is on each candidate's flyer, indicates that the party is committed to 'uniting and building a nation putting the Almighty God at the centre of our work; promoting a culture of love, respect, dignity, justice, peace and prosperity for our people; and a process of transformation that will encourage every person to examine himself and take personal and collective responsibility for our actions".

The manifesto then focuses on the areas of crime and violence, education and family. While there appears to be a clear vision for Jamaica, what is lacking is any specific targets with which we can hold the MGPPP accountable, and how they intend to organise themselves to deliver on the vision.

JLP Achievements

1. The JLP, in its document, indicates that: "In four years, despite the worst global economic crisis in modern times, we have delivered ...", and it describes achievements in the areas of governance; finance; tourism; education; health care; housing; water; national security; justice; agriculture; transport and works; energy and mining; youth; sports, culture and gender affairs; labour and social security; local government; redevelopment and transformation.

2. Heading the list of promises made in 2007 was 'A Platform for Strong Economic Growth'. It appears to me that the JLP had not simply promised a platform; but actually strong economic growth, including jobs, jobs, jobs. To this end, there should be little claim that they have delivered.

3. I am expecting the manifesto to be clearer on 2016 major performance targets, to which we can hold a future JLP Government accountable. I am also expecting the manifesto to objectively assess the administration's shortcomings and how it plans to address these moving forward. The poor handling of the Dudus extradition process, particularly the blurring of lines between party and Government; the poor planning and execution of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP); the Mabey & Johnson saga, the failure to properly account for the 73 civilians dead during the Tivoli excursion, and the apparent misalignment between the national security minister's utterings and what really happened with the spy plane have all resulted in a low level of trust in this administration. The manifesto must indicate how they will regain our trust.

4. The manifesto must be clear on how the JLP administration will deal with the fiscal deficit. On the one hand, the prime minister has told us to prepare for bitter medicine, while on the other hand, he has articulated that public-sector right-sizing will be done through attrition rather than significant job losses.

This, in spite of the Public Sector Transformation Unit's (PSTU) report that $25 billion can be saved in the first two years, were their recommendations to be implemented. In other words, every day we delay in implementing the PSTU report, $35m of savings is unrealised.
PNP Manifesto

1. The mission remains "to improve the quality of life of the Jamaican people and to encourage their fullest participation in making decisions which impact their lives". This is in line with Vision 2030. However, having stated the party's commitment to Vision 2030, there is no stated link between what is outlined in the manifesto and the current National Development Plan (oftentimes referred to as Vision 2030 Plan).

2. The PNP's principles are participation, accountability and responsibility. While these principles or core values are admirable, how well does the manifesto reflect these principles? On the matter of accountability, there are no measurable major 2016 performance targets to which we should be holding the next PNP administration accountable. I had expected 2016 performance targets (aligned to Vision 2030) for the economy (growth, debt, fiscal deficit, employment), as well as education, health, security, justice and environment outcomes.

In fact, the only target that I can find in the document is the reduction of the (food) import bill by US$20 million per year over the next five years. The party has responded by saying it is difficult to set targets caused by uncertainty.

3. The manifesto has done a fair job in identifying the current situation, particularly the challenges globally and locally. It has also highlighted the former administration's success, such as 15 of the 19 years during which growth occurred; telecommunications liberalisation; housing; road construction; Spanish hotel expansion; social partnerships; ICT sector expansion; sports, etc. Also highlighted were achievements in earlier PNP administrations such as the National Stadium in 1961, Institute of Sports in 1978 and G.C. Foster College in 1979.

4. The manifesto has, however, totally disregarded the previous administration's shortcomings. Understanding and acknowledging these shortcomings would have allowed the PNP to demonstrate to what extent it has corrected itself over the past four years to retake power. The party did indicate, at its press conference last Thursday, that a fair amount of introspection had taken place, from which the party benefited and out of which arose the Integrity Commission, improvement in financial management, among other things. The manifesto did not, however, acknowledge or explain the following:

a. The relatively low economic growth of 1.7 per cent per annum average over the 1989-2007 period (total of 38 per cent with almost one-third of that growth registered in 1989 and 1990), while the world was growing at more than four per cent per annum. The party is still convinced that this level of performance was creditable and indicated the need at the time to restructure the economy.

b. The 92 per cent decline in the value of the J$ from US$0.182 (5.5:1) to US$0.014 (69.7:1).

c. Implementing less than three per cent ($190m of the possible $6b savings) as identified by the 1999 Orane Report on waste in the public sector.

d. Having been involved in many scandals and cases of corruption, with seemingly little taking of responsibility and accountability. The minister involved with Operation PRIDE was removed from Cabinet before the 2002 election and brought back after.

5. On Page 7, the document highlighted 18 steps to full people empowerment. I will comment on a few:

a. Step #2: "To reform the public sector for efficiency, especially at the customer-service level, both for citizens and investors". The party stated that 30,000 jobs will not be lost from the public sector. I am not sure how this squares with the PSTU report that its recommendations for realigning the public sector can save $25 billion in two years? The party is not convinced of this savings.

b. Step #6: "Create meaningful jobs using existing resources available to the Government, beginning with JEEP." While this is a good idea in the short term, it is not sustainable, as this economy needs high-quality, permanent jobs. Regarding the suggestion to take equity positions in small businesses, the party should be cognisant of the problems faced by the former National Investment Bank of Jamaica.

c. Step #8: "Engage the people through community structures in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of programmes which directly affect their welfare and development." This seems to be the principal people-empowerment step, and should be given top priority. This, however, should be coupled with the need for our members of parliament to stop voting along party lines and, instead, make voting decisions in the best interests of their respective constituents.

d. Step #18: "Establish a National Council on Justice to formulate the proper administration of justice and to protect and promote respect for fundamental human rights." This seems to be the role of the Ministry of Justice. If the ministry is not performing or not adequately engaging key stakeholders, then fix the ministry! There is no need to create a new entity.

Role of Civil Society

In his last official function as chairman of the Jamaica College board, Danny Williams reminded teachers that civil society was very powerful, which was demonstrated in no uncertain terms in the events leading to the extradition of Christopher Coke. He further stated that the political parties know what needs to be done to transform Jamaica; and if the next administration fails to do what is necessary, civil society must put fire under 'dem mus-mus tail'.

Robert Wynter is the managing director of Strategic Alignment Limited, which facilitates organisational realignment and leadership development. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and rob.wyn@hotmail.com.