Jamaica’s hard-fought elections were keenly followed from Bermuda, according to Orville Campbell, the head of the local Jamaican Association.

Enthusiasm for the “fierce battle” heightened in the week leading up to February 25, when the Jamaica Labour Party narrowly beat the ruling People’s National Party.

Mr Campbell said Jamaicans in the diaspora were unable to vote from overseas, but that with so many living abroad, the option had long been under discussion.

“It is our view that such a move would be a step in the right direction, thus allowing us to have a greater say in the direction of Jamaica, even while outside,” he said.

The island’s political culture is characterised by “a deep sense of party loyalty entrenched through family bonds”, Mr Campbell said.

“To an extent that remains a feature of the Jamaican community here in Bermuda,” he added. However, he said performance in office was coming to hold greater sway over the electorate’s view of their representatives.

While Jamaicans take elections and politics seriously, Mr Campbell said the national excitement and party atmosphere differed from Bermudian elections.

“It would also appear that Jamaicans tend to be more enamoured by politicians. Some may say that is evidence of immaturity but I believe it speaks to something else. At minimal it seems cultural but it may also be the Jamaican way of esteeming those who are our leaders.”

Austerity measures over the last four years played a decisive role in last week’s election, he added.

“Despite the many successes of the PNP administration in steadying the economy that earned national and international praises, there remains a large cross section of Jamaicans who are being affected painfully by those adjustments,” Mr Campbell added. “Unfortunately, these are the people who tend to grab on to anything or anyone that promises a better day than what they now see. That is where the JLP was able to capitalise on in a real way.”

It was a slim margin, Mr Campbell noted: “The seat count is 32 for the JLP under prime minister designate Andrew Holness and 31 for the PNP under outgoing Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

“As you can imagine, such a position makes governing difficult as conducting the nation’s business in the House of Parliament does require a two-third majority to pass. It is almost certain that government hands will be tied in getting Bills through the house at best in a quick time, at worst if any at all.”