Political parties not engaging J’can diaspora

THE EDITOR, Madam:

When the prime minister announced the date of the general election, members of the Jamaican community in the United Kingdom (UK) sought to engage with both the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP) to come on a particular programme, ‘Election Watch 2020’, to hear their plans for Jamaica and how they plan to strengthen and foster relationship with the Jamaican diaspora, which is government policy since the diaspora initiative was launched in 2004.

To date, not one representative of the JLP or the PNP has responded to the various requests to have discussions with members of the diaspora from the UK. While one found it distasteful, one also tend to accept that since the diaspora does not have any vote to contribute, one cannot help but to take the view that they are not interested – no vote, no talk – that seems fair to any pundit; limited time, limited resources, let’s get out the votes.

However, having watched the economic debate between Dr Nigel Clarke of the JLP and Mark Golding of the PNP, it was noted that in many instances the word ‘diaspora’ was used. I was heartened, but then I came to myself and noted that this was just a tick-box exercise; well it must be, isn’t it? Is there any real interest to engage with the diaspora, or is such engagement only about money and investment? The political leaders must be cognisant of these facts:

1. Many stayed up late, till 3 a.m., to watch these debates as they are interested in Jamaica.

2. Many speak to their families back home daily. They engage with their families and has that influence in their family decisions back home.

3. Many Jamaicans in the UK want a frank and final decision in respect of overseas voting ,even if it is for someone who may be on holidays in the UK and got caught out by a snap election. Why is not something in place as yet? Myself and others brought up overseas voting at the Diaspora Conference in 2004.

4. Many Jamaicans in the UK are asking the question: why is there no mention of Vision 2030? Is that vision outdated?

These are just a few of the questions on the table.

It is therefore time for the political leadership to show more respect to the diaspora, not just when there are economic fallout, but also when there are elections, failing which, the members of the diaspora may just start singing, ‘Politics you mash up mi life.’ God bless Jamaica. SYLBOURNE SYDIAL Lawyer and talk-show host