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Changing course - Breaking the shackles of traditionalism
Published in the Jamaica Gleaner : Wednesday | September 5, 2007
PORTLAND: - Gareth Davis Sr.
Born in East Portland in 1927, Godfrey Allidice, an Aquarian, says he has supported the People's National Party (PNP) from as far back as the 1950s with pride and distinction.
This white-bearded gentleman, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, possessing what appears to be immaculate vision, leans back in his rocking chair of 40 years, and bemoans what he believes is the steady decline of policies initiated by Norman Manley and to a lesser extent, the legacy left by the charismatic Michael Manley.
"I am shocked and ashamed to see the PNP movement literally destroying itself," he says.
Supporting his party
"There are only two general elections in which I have never voted and that was in 1976 and 1980, as I was away in England. Every other elections I have fully supported that political party," he adds.
The father of six, two of which are surgeons in Great Britain, points out that since former Prime Minister Manley retired in 1991 his successors have failed to deliver in all areas and have failed miserably.
According to the golden age man, the final nail in the coffin was the divestment of the Jamaica Public Service Company.
"That move by then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson is proving costly even today. My decision to change allegiance is not for just one reason, but for many different reasons. I adore Portia Simpson Miller as she is from the old school, but there are other concerns and clearly she is not supported by most of her colleagues," he says.
Mr. Allidice explains that with no social policies in place and little or no job opportunities for the youths, compounded by high taxation and an escalating crime rate, which is clearly beyond recovery, his decision to switch and support the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was hard and pain staking.
"After 18 years of poor governance and mediocre performance I am willing to gamble with the JLP. At this point in time I honestly do not believe they can do any worse. I have weighed all the options and I believe I have made the right and painful decision," he says.
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