Entertainers say… REFUSAL TO DEBATE COST PNP ELECTION

Entertainers say ...

REFUSAL TO DEBATE COST PNP ELECTION

Curtis Campbell

STAR Writer

Following the People's National Party's (PNP) crashing defeat at the hands of the Jamaica Labour Party, some entertainers shared their views about why the PNP lost.

According to lyrically-inclined Professor Nuts, the PNP's decision to abandon the debate was the last straw.

"They behaved arrogant and refused to listen to the people. The people really wanted the debates and I think that was the deciding factor. TV advertisements are good, but the people wanted to hear your manifesto and see how you defend it when questioned by the public and the opposition and you avoided that," he said.

Media personality Oral Tracey also pointed to the debates, adding that he believes Jamaicans are slowly graduating from the school of political tribalism.

"I feel the fact that the leader never debate caused the loss. People want to see a leader debating one on one. It was a bad tactical decision to overlook the debate and I think that was an issue with the people," he said.

"The issue with Andrew's house was a fair tactic, but it was overplayed. So people begun to wonder if you had nothing else to say apart from talking about a man's house. Also the electorate in Jamaica has grown, mi feel like the people dem wise up."

Popular selector/producer Foota Hype is known to be a strong PNP supporter. He told THE STAR that his party lost the election because of its failure to address the Jamaican people.

"My party lost because we did not address the people. The people had several concerns that they were commenting on my page about on social media. Some were asking how can I support a party that will legalise homosexual marriages and Portia never addressed that. Also she didn't debate and that also made it seem like they were dodging," he said.

He added, "They were too comfortable and sometimes leaders are so far above the people that they don't realise the issues that the people are facing."

Nonetheless, the selector congratulated the JLP, saying he is not a sore loser.

"Andrew gave them some promises and you know that provided some comfort for the people. I have to congratulate the JLP because a win is a win even though it's not my party. But I know that all the promises cannot be met and some of the voters are not even qualified to benefit from the tax plan because they don't pay taxes in the first place. But he is already the Prime Minister and I want the country to do well. He will face an uphill task, so mek wi see how him a guh mek out," he said.