Follow-up: Simpson-Miller down and out

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller admitted defeat in the country’s general elections that were held on Monday. As a recount of electoral ballots continues for a second consecutive day, Simpson-Miller rescinded from previous calls alleging voting regulates in her statement:

"The People's National Party (PNP) accepts the announced preliminary results, while reserving all legal rights under the Jamaican constitution and our electoral laws…The People's National Party, as part of its highest traditions, respects and will always respect the voice of the Jamaican people and their will, as expressed in the vote."

Preliminary results show the Jamaican Labour Party (JLP) with 32 of 60 seats in parliament, and final results are expected to be released tomorrow. An official victory for the JLP would give that party control of Jamaica for the first time since 1989.

So who is Bruce Golding- the apparent successor to Simpson-Miller? He is a career politician who has been interested in politics since his father was a member of Jamaica’s parliament. Yet according to Radio Netherlands Worldwide the ideological differences between him and Simpson-Miller are very few:

“The ideological differences between Mr. Golding's Jamaica Labour Party and the People's National Party of outgoing Prime Minister Portia Miller Simpson are not that far apart. They are both in the centre of the political spectrum.

Many of Jamaica's citizens live in abject poverty, which is why more than a million people have emigrated in recent decades - mostly to Great Britain and the United States. Both parties say they want to do something about rampant crime levels, poor education and inadequate health care.”

Sources- AFP, The Latin Americanist, Voice of America, BBC News, Radio Netherlands Worldwide, Jamaica Gleaner

Image- Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Jamaica: Simpson-Miller down but not out after elections

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has yet to concede defeat in yesterday’s general elections on the island as results are still too close. Ballots are undergoing a recount as preliminary results show the opposition Jamaica Labour Party obtained 31 of 60 parliamentary seats.

How could Simpson-Miller “lose” by such a razor-thin margin? According to the Jamaica Gleaner she should’ve called elections shortly after taking power nineteen months ago. Yet the Guardian UK notes that it’s more than that:

“The prime minister, widely known as ‘Sista P’, retains widespread affection. But confidence has been eroded by party scandals, violent crime and sluggish growth. When Hurricane Dean swept through coastal regions last month she was accused of hiding in a bunker.”

As we mentioned last Friday, Simpson-Miller gained eight spots on Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful Women” list.

Image- Al Jazeera (Opposition supporters celebrate the Jamaica Labour Party’s apparent victory)

Sources- Canadian Press, Reuters, Jamaica Gleaner, Guardian UK, The Latin Americanist

Jamaica: PM adds cricket to politics

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller is the latest Caribbean politician to go “cricket-crazy” and is trying to take advantage of the hoopla surrounding the Cricket World Cup. The tournament is being hosted in the Caribbean and Simpson-Miller’s political speeches are scattered with numerous references to cricket:

• We have many wickets to take
• I have the strength to swing the bat
• Your captain is ready

So far the tournament has had its share of exciting moments such as Ireland’s upset of Pakistan on St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately, this tournament may be most remembered for its setbacks including the possible murder of Pakistan team coach Bob Wolmer and the lack of strong attendance due to overpriced seats. Not to mention the disappointing performance by the West Indies (i.e. Caribbean) squad who have gone 0-3 in the Super Eights stage.

Image- BBC Sport (Sri Lankan cricket team celebrating their latest victory over England)

Links- BBC Sport, International Herald Tribune, Guardian UK, Jamaica Observer, Scotsman