SINCE HIS election victory last October, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has emphasised that one of the key objectives of his administration will be an attempt to weave together a sense of national unity from the diverse interest and groups within the society.
But there are mixed views as to whether the People's National Party (PNP) have done enough to foster this sense of unity since taking up office 100 days ago.
The Rev. Ernle Gordon, Rector of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, argues that much has been done by the P.J. Patterson administration, especially in the context of a country that has been torn apart by political tribalism for decades.
He says Mr. Patterson's commitment to discussion to chip away at major problems in the society is shown in his decision to hold discussions with Jamaica Labour Party leader, Edward Seaga since the election.
"Having met with the Leader of the Opposition, it is an indication that there is an attempt to show that we can't govern a country by tribalism," Rev Gordon said.
Since the October 16 General Election, two summits have been held between Government and the Opposition.
Senator Anthony Johnson, JLP spokesman on education has not, however, been won over by the Prime Minister's overtures. According to him, "Nothing has been done in the first 100 days (of the administration)."
But it is for the Government's Values and Attitudes initiative that Senator Johnson reserved his most scathing attack. According to him, the Government lacks the credibility to lead such a programme, which is designed to reduce coarseness in the society and get people to embrace wholesome behaviour.
"An administration has to establish a record of behaviour which shows it is interested in establishing an ethical system of government," the JLP Senator said.
He claimed the Government lacked this authority, making veiled reference to the Prime Minister's recent "exoneration" of former Water and Housing Minister, Dr. Karl Blythe, in the NHDC/Operation PRIDE scandal.
The Prime Minister first launched the Values and Attitudes campaign in the mid-1990s. However, it lost steam and fizzled out only to be revived after the last election.
Minister of Information, Senator Burchell Whiteman, who has taken over portfolio responsibility for the programme, brushes off suggestions that the Prime Minister and his administration do not have the moral authority to lead the campaign.
"It's not a question of our moral authority," he said, noting that all institutions, and not just the Government, should be involved in setting examples of good and decent conduct that citizens can admire and imitate.
The concept of the programme is one that will evolve into a national campaign involving stakeholders from the church, the school system, community groups, the business sector, civic groups and the media.
According to the Minister, a national steering committee is being set up to manage the programme. During the next phase of the campaign which kicks in at the end of next month, there will be an aggressive media campaign designed to engender positive attitudes among Jamaicans, Senator Whiteman said.
