Garth Rattray | If Jamaican politics were football

Imagine if Jamaican politics were like a football competition. Although the outcome of the match would determine the future of the country, although generations lobbied and fought for there to be free tickets for anyone eligible to attend, and although there was a humongous build-up to the event, less than 40 per cent showed any interest in the game. 
Because the match would be epic, it was expected that the National Stadium would be packed and overflowing, But that did not happen. The authorities spun the extremely poor showing as ‘spectator apathy’, in fact, it was long-standing spectator disapproval of and disappointment in both teams.
People had witnessed generations of dirty pool at these competitions. They saw coercion and violence. They were aware of grandiose promises that remained unfulfilled. They knew of team members, on both sides, that were deeply involved in unethical behaviour and scandals. Some used their position and power for personal financial gain, but remained untouchable. 
They saw communities in squalor in 21st century Jamaica, roadways that cannot be negotiated and badly lacking in modern amenities. They saw widespread indiscipline and a pervasive do-as-you-dare attitude among some citizens. Despite the regular meetings of the teams, (in the nation’s common, great hall) to propose, discuss and enact the people’s business, a lot has not changed over the years. Deeply entrenched incompetence, corruption and unaccountability endured.
The citizens knew that, if competitors played for the honour, glory, and well-being of the country, and did not focus (directly or indirectly) on their chosen team, the country would be far better off. The non-attendees were frustrated, sick and tired of the competitions, and viewed any outcome as six of one, half-dozen of the other.
The conscientious citizens wanted their opinion to count for something. And, of course, the die-hard supporters turned out in transport and clothing provided by the relevant teams. They waved their coloured flags and sounded their noisy vuvuzelas as they showed support for their benefactors. But, in reality, these particular ‘supporters’ were dependents who received financial and other backing to encourage their turnout. 
The atmosphere was festive but tense. The spectators congregated according to their particular allegiance, and the uncommitted were sprinkled somewhere within the stadium. Sadly, most people stayed home and watched the match with accustomed scepticism and lack of expectation.  
The teams, the Public’s United Party (PUP), and the Citizen’s United Party (CUP), captained by their respective leaders, warmed up while listening to their coaches (advisors) for last-minute instructions and encouragement. The referee, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), and the assistant referees (formerly known as ‘linesmen’), the observers from an international and from a local organisation, went over the rules of the game in detail.  
The players gathered in the middle of the football pitch. The coin toss was made, PUP called heads, they won the toss, and the ECJ blew the whistle. The first kick was greeted with deafening vuvuzelas, shouts and screams from the crowd. The game was on!
PUP started out strongly. Their captain was in possession of the ball, and he quickly dribbled through the midfield. But he became distracted by the media attention and by his success. He lost concentration and the ball was stolen by a rising star from CUP. His ego was badly bruised and, knowing that everyone was watching, and that he was about to let down his team, he made an aggressive tackle to regain possession of the ball. 
He tripped the CUP participant, who fell hard and rolled several times before thrashing around in melodramatic fashion aimed at overemphasising his possible injuries. The PUP player received a yellow card. The CUP supporters booed loudly because they believed that the PUP player deserved a red card and ejection from the match. 
As the clock ticked on, nothing significant happened, neither side had taken a shot at goal. The ball was passed back and forth, to and fro, dribbled and possessed, lost and regained, but all the action remained near to the centre circle. 
Behind closed doors, the players from both teams got along. However, their public show of an adversarial relationship spawned conflicts among their supporters. Throughout the stands, quarrels and skirmishes developed. Some supporters were willing to kill so that their benefactor would win the match. For them, it was not just a match, not just a decision for who runs the country, it was securing their day-to-day bread and butter, their funding for school fees and furniture, their ability to survive in our harsh economic environment. For them, this match was everything.
By half-time, the score was nil all. Desperate sprints along the wings were thwarted, powerful kicks went out of play. The crowd saw hard-hitting basic ball playing and technically superior attacks on the goal. Everyone was working hard, the various defenders, the forwards, the midfielders, the wingers were particularly brilliant. The goalies earned special mention for keeping the score nil all near the end of the second half.
Much to the surprise of the spectators, it couldn’t get any closer. As the time ran off, there was a sudden, unexpected surge from the CUPs. A dribble, a long pass, a high ball and a solid, well-aimed header sent the ball spinning towards the goal. Then …  power outage. Pitch black.
When next seen, the ball was rolling lazily near a goalpost. Did PUP win? Did CUP win? But does it really matter? The real winner should be all the citizens. Until that happens, people will continue losing interest in the political football game.

Garth Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice, and author of ‘The Long and Short of Thick and Thin’. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and garthrattray@gmail.com.