Trafigura
still a mystery to some
Brian
Bonitto, Jamaica Editor - Overseas Publications
Jamaica Gleanner
Kingston
Petroleumworldtt.com
11 19 06
Trafi
who? Never heard of him!
For
one-fifth of Jamaicans, the Trafigura Beheer scandal,
which has rocked the governing People's National
Party (PNP) for six weeks, remains a mystery according
to the latest Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson
poll.
The
findings of the poll reveal that 21 per cent of
respondents had never heard about the controversy
surrounding the $31 million contribution by the
Dutch-based oil company, Trafigura to the PNP.
But,
how could this be, given the prominence the media
gave to the story?
Dr.
David McBean, president of the Media Association
of Jamaica (MAJ) was amazed at the findings, as
in his view, the story dominated mainstream media
for several weeks.
"That's
puzzling to me, but it also raises a few questions,"
said Dr. McBean, who is also the chief executive
officer for CVM Communications Group.
"Are
these (the 21 per cent) not accessing mainstream
media as we know it, or is it that they have tuned
out to hard news?"
"Interestingly,
the 79 per cent (those in the know) mirrors the
literacy rate ... but this cannot be conclusive
because there is access to news on radio and television
as well," he continued.
Dr.
McBean pointed out that he would need to undertake
a thorough analysis of the poll results in order
to arrive at a clear position.
On
the other hand, UWI lecturer/ social scientist,
Dr. Orville Taylor, has put forward the view that
perhaps the 79 per cent of the respondents who are
aware of the Trafigura controversy may be among
those who have a particular interest in current
affairs.
In
fact, he said Jamaicans have become hungrier for
information as it helps them to arrive at decisions
on political matters. This hunger is evident by
the high level of public participation on the daily
talk shows.
Why
then do the informed Jamaicans remain passive on
political issues?
Lack
of belief
"That's
part of human nature - but it also shows a lack
of belief in the political system - the way politicians
have behaved in the past has caused a large number
of Jamaicans to lose faith in them," Dr. Taylor
asserted.
But,
for bartender Joan Campbell, bars are the common
man's Parliament where various views are articulated.
But,
what are the matters placed on the agenda for discussions?
"Is
mainly sex them talk bout at my bar," said
the 30-year-old St. Catherine resident
What
about politics?
"Not
where I live!"
Ever
heard about Trafigura?
"No,
tell me 'bout it."
It
is some money the Government ...
"Oh!
- the $31 million whe gone missing!"
The
poll has a plus or minus three per cent margin of
error and 1,008 individuals were interviewed islandwide
on October 28 and 29.
Jamaica
Gleanner
Friday
| November 17, 2006
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