One would think it a bit too early for such a petition calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister, but those signing seems all too fed up with her administration and its job, or lack of efficiency as they claim. One main reason/claim, beyond any party politics, is that the current party in power Peoples National Party (PNP) did nothing less than point out ills of the last Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)-administration ending in 2011. Since placed in power through the electoral process, in December 2011, the PNP led by Honourable Portia Simpson Miller does nothing, and by far fails to improve any element of the country much less the lives of the average Jamaican, the petitioners claim.
One needs not be reminded too that just before the JLP ruled for a brief 4 years, the PNP stayed in power for a full 18 years reign before, and now since December 11, are back in power, but with little effect as was anticipated considering their lengthy reign. One can understand the expectations of the petitioners of the PNP, that having criticised the JLP who won elections from them, further pressured the former PM Bruce Golding’s resignation, to have shown good strokes.
To add injury to fast developed fury among both JLPites and PNPites, the Portia Miller led PNP, after making a grand entrance defaced the flag at a state event to swear in representatives following the elections.
The ‘reasons’ list for the petition is long, but nothing so impacting as the recent tax packages announced by the PNP, and their attempt to explain it, quickly followed by ripples such as reluctance to return ‘tainted financial donations’ to that party.
A number of Jamaicans who expressed interest to see Mrs Simpson Miller resign have offered reasons for not opting to sign the petition. These include a preference to play a waiting game, as they feel its too early given the fact that the PNP has come under undue pressure and lessons should have been learnt to effect a change in the party at least. Others simply do not see a better party with a workable alternative.
The following is a letter by Michelle Bradshaw, creator of the Petition which can be found and signed at http://www.change.org/petitions/prime-minister-of-jamaica-resign-as-prime-minister.
Letter for resignation/Petition
Madam Prime Minister,
It has been five (5) months since your party the PNP has been in office, and so far yourself along with your entire CABINET, has proven to the People of Jamaica that you have no idea where you are heading or even how to get there.
During your ELECTION CAMPAIGN you made NUMEROUS PROMISES to the people of Jamaica, promises which include the cut back on ELECTRIC BILLS, CREATING JOBS, MAKING COST OF LIVING MORE BEARABLE FOR THE POOR, and other promises which you have yet to fulfill. Do you remember shedding TEARS in 2009 when then Prime Minister Bruce Golding presented his Tax Package to Jamaicans? If I recall, you STATED with no UNCERTAINTY that it was CRUEL and UNJUST. You went as far as to STATE and I quote “imagine we are going to celebrate the birth of the redeemer, instead of celebrating CHRISTMAS, Jamaicans would be celebrating TAXMUS”. Do you RECALL those words Madam Prime Minister?
Do you also recall these words which were uttered from your mouth during that same time? “Mr Speaker, the tax on computers and on books sends only one message to the youth of Jamaica and their families. That message is, access denied, progress delayed”. To which you gained a THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE?
Is it not HYPOCRITCAL of yourself and your party to now give to the people of Jamaica that which you and Members of your Cabinet were so CRITCAL OF? Does it not SPEAK VOLUMES about yourself and your character to know that not only have you LIED to the people of Jamaica, but you even dare to go as far as to STATE that you cared for the POOR? Well Madam Prime Minister it is IMPERATIVE at this point that if you INDEED do care about Jamaicans, and care about the POOR as you so passionately preach that you TENDER your RESIGNATION FORTHWITH and CALL FRESH ELECTIONS making it possible for the Electorate to return to the polls before the end of 2012 to elect a Government more capable of managing the country’s affairs. By doing this you will PROVE to JAMAICANS that you are a woman of NOBLE character and a PATRIOT who is willing to sacrifice personal interest and power, in the best interest of your country and people.
We now understand and accept that the BITTER MEDICINE which Andrew Holness said we as a country might have to face is a WHOLE lot better than the POISON and the NIGHTMARE that we have received from yourself and your party in just FIVE MONTHS. The People exercised their Democratic Rights on December 29th, 2011, and elected you as Prime Minister, but now REALIZE that they made a GRAVE MISTAKE which they MUST correct before any further hopelessness is created. Therefore Madam Prime Minister, please bear WITNESS to the many signatures that comes along with this Petition, and bear in mind that they are as much to be RESPECTED as those that were counted in the ballots on Dec 29th, 2011.
We are,
CITIZENS IN ACTION FOR THE RESIGNATION OF PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER By Andrea Walters and Michelle Bradshaw in CITIZENS IN ACTION FOR THE RESIGNATION OF PORTIA SIMPSON-MILLER·
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This amounts to a solid waste of time, and is purely politically motivated by a bunch of malcontents, who are smarting over the election loss suffered by the JLP. It wasn’t her fault that the JLP self-destructed; and her administration deserves a chance to see where it is going. Five, or even six months is not sufficient time to determine the success or failure of any Administration.
Dear Warren Johnson,
Thank you for your comments and interaction. We certainly need more Jamaicans with a fearless spirit, and critical thinking. Stay connected!
The Page & Petition no longer exists says the link you have posted will you update your readers with a follow up which explores the missing link, the organisation, its donors and ties?
Dear guest,
Thank you for your input. I hope readers will benefit from your comment. Do stay connected.
Anthea