THE EDITOR, Sir:
WE WISH to put forward some reasons why the people and Government cannot afford to let the admission by Dr. Davies concerning the use of public funds be treated as a nine-day wonder.
1. Leadership must be by example. The moral authority of leaders is weakened or strengthened by their actions. Government should deal decisively with this matter, and be prepared for any backlash, even as preparations are made to embark on a needed programme of Values and Attitudes.
2. If this open admission is brushed aside and we continue to do business as usual, we will be establishing a dangerous precedent. By his admission, Dr. Davies has made it unnecessary, in this instance, for the public to have to search for proof.
The trouble with precedent is that it can open a floodgate for other negative incidents. Jamaica already has a climate which perceives politics as dirty and corrupt. We certainly want the truth to be spoken; we definitely do not need a climate which allows admissions of wrongdoing to become trivial, meaningless, and without consequence. That Dr. Davies felt comfortable enough to let such information slip is already a warning sign. Can we fail to see the possible consequences of under-playing this matter?
3. The phenomenon of loyalty to group or clique is a reality and in some instances a social norm. When this loyalty challenges the good of the majority, however, it becomes a danger which should be dealt with drastically.
Politics in Jamaica practises loyalty to clique or party which supersedes loyalty to country. It both protects those within, and shuns "intrusions" from those outside. Whether the matter under investigation is right or wrong is not an issue, as long as the cause of the party is served.
When this kind of tribalism is practised by community or family members in defence of individuals who have committed crimes, it is decried as being heinous. When it is practised by members of the security forces, it is seen to be a blight on the nation. Why should we call it anything less when it is practised by politicians of any persuasion?
This Government must purge itself of dishonesty, however, demanding or difficult that task must be, or be guilty of carrying this nation further into a morass of moral decay.
4. Scripture teaches every individual how to respond to God. "He has shown you, O man what is good. And now what does God require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) Leaders are doubly accountable in keeping with their positions of privilege, since their actions impact on the whole country. It is still true that "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." (Proverbs 14:34).
We are, etc.,
THE MEDIA COMMITTEE
Brown's Town Baptist Church
