THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS that time again, political parties are out campaigning, making promises, defending their policies and programmes and highlighting what they think they have achieved.
I strongly believe that the people of Jamaica deserve much better than what the present political system and Constitution offers.
After 40 years of political Independence, one can't but wonder what Jamaica would have been like had we not opted for Independence.
Particularly after one takes a look at islands such as the Caymans and Bermuda. I am so disillusioned with our present political system and politicians. The appearance of corruption is everywhere, it is not only confined to politics. This monster has taken over our entire society. The church, business community and the education system are all suffering and the society is haemorrhaging.
After being through three general elections without ever voting, I have decided that abstention is the best way of registering my disgust and disappointment with our politicians of all political persuasions. I am old enough to remember a more gentle and peaceful Jamaica. A Jamaica in which you could take your family on outings and not be concerned about what time you need to get home. A Jamaica in which we were all our brothers' keepers and sisters' too. A Jamaica in which Jamaica was first and not party politics. At present, we seem to have lost all of that.
Our society is in need of constitutional changes. I do believe we need term-limits on our politicians. Too much power rests in the Office of the Prime Minister. After two terms we should have a change of the Head of Government (the Prime Minister).
This present system retards our youth and new ideas. This present system breeds corruption as after we elect our political leaders ill-health appears to be the only method of getting them out. We also need a set date for general elections to be enshrined in our Constitution. This would go a far way of taking away some of the powers in the Office of the Prime Minister. Our society would be served better if we all knew when the gates would be 'flown.'
The issue of impeachment also needs to be revisited; we need to have clear guidelines on impeachment and make it easier for our elected leaders to be impeached. This might add to a sense of accountability and transparency.
It is also my view that the first-past-the-post system has served its usefulness as a political system in Jamaica. We should strongly look at the proportional representation system which would give third and fourth parties a say in governance. This would complement a republic-type government where we would vote for a President.
This President would not have to be a member of the traditional political parties. At present the political system we have is hindering the best and brightest minds from putting themselves forward for elective office. If we are to compete in an ever-changing, technologically efficient world we need to seriously look at how we are governed. This would be as good a time as any to begin the overhauling of the Constitution. I doubt the political will is there. We need to put the interest of the country first; this is where most of us call home. Not all are privileged to have green cards. I do hope that this election will be as peaceful as possible and that after these upcoming elections the wounds which inevitably will occur will heal quickly and leave no scars. We have been through too much strife and political turmoil and after 40 years of Independence it's time we grow up politically.
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I am etc.,
WAYNE CAMPBELL.
