JAMAICA STANDS in desperate need of responsible leadership. The nation is facing severe uncertainties both nationally and internationally and these uncertainties are likely to strain every single fibre of nationhood. We must as a people insist on the visionary inclusive and morally sound leadership that the tough times demand.
It is in this context that Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) expresses deep disappointment with current developments. The group considers it unsatisfactory that Dr. Omar Davies' apology has focused on the "manner" of his comments and completely ignores the substantive point that it is what he said not how he said it that is the problem. The group is also disappointed with the Prime Minister's blanket expression of support for and confidence in the Minister of Finance with no acknowledgement of the seriousness of what he said. The Prime Minister should recall the commitment he gave to the nation in October that he would lift the bar for political conduct to one that rejects even a "taint of arrogance and corruption".
FORTY-ONE-YEARS-OLD
In our 41st year of independence we are no longer children to be told by our leaders "I say so and is so it go". That is a statement from a parent to young (very young!) children, not to the new generation of Jamaican's to which the same Prime Minister, the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson referred to so eloquently in his speech in parliament after the 1999 'Gas Riots'. The new international and national ethos of democracy involves an educated and informed populace, provided with all the information they require to be meaningfully included in the decision-making processes of Governance.
It cannot be sufficient to characterise criticism as being "out for blood", as the Minister of Information did on The Breakfast Club on Tuesday February 18 2003. Citizens have a right to ask for and receive all the information they need to fully understand the issues that confront us and make informed choices. Citizens have a right to demand accountability from their leaders, particularly as it relates to financial issues and government expenditures and programme choices. These decisions, made by the leaders affect our daily lives in a real and meaningful way. Decisions taken previously already will affect not only our lives, but also the lives of our children and grandchildren, and the future expectations of our nation. Leaders must be willing to explain the reasons behind, and debate and dialogue and talk and take criticism and seek broad agreement for, any decisions they take on behalf of us, the citizens of Jamaica. To do otherwise would be to attempt to govern a twenty first century nation with 19th century notions of governance.
TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY LEADERSHIP
It is in the context of the need for twenty first century leadership that Jamaicans For Justice also notes with alarm the statements from the Opposition signalling its intention to "oppose, oppose, oppose" until it "brings down the government". While Mr. Seaga has sought to clarify his meaning, it is to be emphasised that such utterances by themselves, open as they are to a variety of interpretations, are reckless and inflammatory. The Opposition's published statements as well as their acceptance of the large salary increase for Parliamentarians at a time when all Jamaicans are to be called upon to make even greater sacrifices, indicate that they too are disconnected from what is needed from our political leaders at this time.
Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) is of the view that the problems of Jamaica are far deeper than would be addressed by the mere replacement of one party in government for another. Jamaica must not be sacrificed on the altar of anyone's or any group's narrow self-interests or agenda.
Jamaica will not benefit from acts of one-up-man-ship or from inflammatory statements. Instead, the tough times ahead demand accountability, openness, honesty and integrity from all our leaders. While we must be vigilant and have vigorous debate, the times call for extraordinary leadership of a quality that is incompatible with divisiveness. We will need this from all our leaders and from ourselves.
FOCUS ON FULL DISCLOSURE FOR NATION BUILDING
We, therefore, call on all leaders to focus national attention and debate on a full disclosure related to the current economic crisis which faces us, and, on the systemic changes, the economic options and their implications and the social priorities and arrangements that will ensure that Jamaica not only survives its present crisis but ultimately prospers.
Comments to Jamaicans For Justice, 755-4524-6 or e-mail: ja.for.justice@mail.infochan.com.
