Where are the leaders?

WORDS AND accusations have been flying in hot pursuit of each other, leaving most people in Kingston confused and feeling helpless. Citizens, other than those who continue to hold strong party loyalties, believe no one. Jamaica's leadership is being put to the test and so far it has come up very short. If something is being done about the 'bad' cops, it seems the public must not know about it. Our Prime Minister, perhaps realising that ultimately he will be held responsible for the final solution, appears tired and old. By now he knows that history will not treat him kindly, and that he will likely be described, (if historians feel the need to note anything at all), as weak, indecisive and incapable of stepping over the 'party line' to give true leadership. The Leader of the Opposition is a major disappointment. Closeted with his party people, he was unable to break old habits and old political tactics and aggressively played the now boring 'blame game'. Once again his initial impulse was to speak to no one other than the media, local and overseas.

Our church leaders, apart from a gallant and patriotic few, are muffled, either because they, too, are confused, or because they continue to believe that the clergy should not get involved in dirty things like politics. Amazingly, our business leaders, as represented in PSOJ membership, have only just found out that poverty is appalling ­ that some citizens of Jamaica are crowded into deplorable conditions with inadequate water, sanitation and housing, living without education, training, jobs or hope. A reasonable question is, "Where have they been living?" Or, more appropriately, "Which secluded sandy beach have they been sticking their heads in?"

Another disappointment is the deafening silence of the Jamaican Bar Association. This body contains some of our finest minds; the most affluent and influential people who, more than most, understand what happens when a society faces threats to its civil liberties. This body could authoritatively inform civil society on how to protest in a legal and civilised manner. For those who do not wish to create roadblocks, who do not wish to burn buildings or cars, who do not wish to harm Jamaica by withdrawing their work and service, what is this august body suggesting we do? Can we assume they feel nothing has gone wrong?

Proposals

What proposals are coming from the leaders of the trade union movement, and the universities and every other 'association'? It may bring comfort to assume that memberships are in discussion, gathering evidence and investigating the truth. Dare we hope that when the truth is uncovered they will be strong and brave enough to reveal that truth, regardless of political, economic or affiliation considerations?

There is no one or simple answer to the many problems. However, one solution must be employment, which is a right of each citizen who is willing to work. The ultimate responsibility for full employment is the Government's, through its economic policies. The private sector can and may provide temporary jobs and some funds to invest in the downtown areas, and for a while, government agencies and charities will do their best to assist those in dire need.

But in the end, only a vibrant economy developed and nurtured by sound, innovative policies can provide the conditions to bring about permanent employment of people, their education, training and advancement. This country is so rich, so blessed, so beautiful, and so fortunate to be populated by such a talented, energetic and creative people. Outsiders must see us as a bunch of mindless masochists, constantly shooting ourselves in the foot.

Rather than being confused and feeling ineffectual, individuals can join a citizens or community group, or, better yet, create another focus group. The strength of developed countries comes in large measure from the strength of groups that have formed as watchdogs and voices of decency and truth. Jamaica needs that strength and those voices now. Be warned that if nothing fundamental and substantial is done ­ if things in Kingston appear to go back to normal ­ if once again we put a band-aid on the seeping cancerous sore ­ if we chose to forget the horrible sights and sounds of recent times, we can relax for a while, build a higher gate and prepare for the next explosion of violence which undoubtedly will be just that little bit closer to our homes.

You may write Jamaicans for Justice at ja.for.justice@cwjamaica.com or visit their web site at http://www.jamaicansforjustice.org

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