The loss by the PNP in the North East St. Catherine by-election
presents further affirmation of a disturbing thought. For whilst none really
expected the PNP to take this seat, nor for that matter Daryl Vaz’s seat, the
fact that they have not been able to trim the margin of loss in either
by-election, begs the question – has the PNP shot itself in the foot by
re-electing Portia?
At a time when the economy is a mess, trade unions are
agitated, prices are going up, unemployment is rising, crime is rampant,
business and consumer confidence is at a low - the inability of the PNP to make
inroads in the JLP margins should be extremely disturbing for the opposition
and is a clear signal that the supposed charismatic magnetism of their leader
appears mythical or at best ineffective.
Could it be that the Jamaican people expect more than hugs
and kisses and are looking instead for true substance and are not finding it in
the Opposition?
Considering that a General Election may not be too far in
the future maybe the PNP should heed that old time saying ‘tek sleep and mark
death’.
