The First Term: Ideological Definition and Social Polarization 1974–6

Abstract

During this period, some major tendencies emerged which subsequently came to dominate the political struggle characterizing the remainder of the PNP’s period in office. The increasing importance of the ideological debate in the PNP and between the PNP and the opposition aggravated internal PNP splits and brought them into the open, and the reaction from the opposition became more and more hostile and strident. The Gleaner spearheaded the attacks; criticism in editorials increased in 1975, escalating particularly sharply both in frequency and tone in late 1975. In January 1975 Seaga, now leader of the party, launched a JLP ‘election campaign’ focusing on the issues of economic (mis)management and the Communist-Cuban threat. In 1974, the private sector was more concerned with economic issues, such as the call for repatriation of assets held abroad and the nationalization of utilities than with the new ideological turn represented by the declaration of democratic socialism. However, after the announcement of the economic policy package of August 1975, discontent over these measures generated increased hostility, as did Manley’s trip to Cuba and his admiration for Fidel. Opposition to the government intensified as the 1976 elections drew near, culminating in a campaign of violence amid charges of destabilization by domestic and foreign forces.