PETA-GAYE CLACHAR/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Leader of the Opposition, Bruce Golding, greet each other before the start of the Jamaica Debate Commission-sponsored national debate at the Creative Production and Training Centre on Saturday.
Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Tuesday | August 14, 2007
Winston Lawson, Contributor
THE THIRD and final debate between the Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition was similarly a mismatch as the first between Drs. Phillips and Baugh.
There was an intentioned focus on my part to ignore any of the previously expected disparity in eloquence and, on the other hand, charisma of the two leaders, and to concentrate strictly on the material and content of the responses.
Mr. Golding came across more knowledgeable and focused with his responses and more in line with questions posed. He was a clear winner on the night.
In reviewing my notes, there was a glaring absence of adequate, hard recommended solutions being outlined by Mrs. Simpson Miller. The responses were rather filled with appeals to citizens to trust her that the solutions, whatever they may be, will be implemented. Surely, the Prime Minister would agree that listeners to a national debate would require something more than just knowledge or belief that she is a good person who has the best interest of the country at heart.
With the third and final debate, it was disappointing that Mr. Golding failed to use the opportunity to put to rest the credibility issue of funding for the programmes recommended in his party's manifesto.
His first response to a question concerning 'bad apples' surrounding him and could form part of his Cabinet was also disappointing. I say this as he must have been aware of these concerns and should not have played as if it was something new.
The Prime Minister was also disappointing, having given the impression that she was not aware of precisely how the removal of health care fees for citizens under 18 years of age is being funded. She also did not make good use the limited time to respond to questions. In addition, she fell woefully short in portraying intended credible solutions to address the pervasive issue of corruption, seemingly relying once again on simply a matter of trust. This seems a bit unreasonable.
Winston Lawson is president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
