Delroy ChuckIN THE 2004/05 Throne Speech, delivered March 31, the Governor General spoke on the subject of one vision, one people: a strong Jamaica and posited a vision that encompasses public order, educational opportunities for personal growth and economic advancement, equitable sharing in the benefits of economic growth, and acceptance of values of respect, civility, discipline and the caring spirit. Minister Omar Davies in his Budget presentation also spoke to the same theme, and the Minister of Education speaks today at the Conference Centre on a similar theme of one vision, one goal.
I welcome the vision of one people for a strong Jamaica. But, what is that one vision of which we speak or of that one goal for education? To date, it is unclear what is the common vision that the government hopes to share with the Jamaican people. Perhaps, when the Prime Minister and other ministers speak the vision will be more clearly defined. To be sure, if the vision is to go beyond words, it should have noble goals, declared targets and definite blueprints for action.
IMPROVEMENT
For example, I would like to see targets outlined such as reducing annual murders from 1,000 to 500 over a five-year period, or improving in defined measures the level and quality of passes in GSAT, CXC or other educational qualifications, or closing the widening gap between the rich and poor by improving the opportunities and benefits to the lowest strata of the society.
The nation is definitely in need of a common vision around which it can be galvanised, rallied and united. In fact, the nation cannot now say it knows where it is going, which may well be the reason it doesn't appear to be going anywhere. When the Reggae Boyz determined to get to the 1998 Football World Cup in France, the nation was enthused and each step of the way was met with much energy, exhilaration and support. We exploded into great joy and much cheering when the goal was finally reached.
When the Government and the Opposition sealed an historic parliamentary accord on education, the nation cheered. At long last, both sides found consensus and agreement on measures to improve education. The Opposition demanded clearly defined goals and increased expenditure to attain the targets.
ANCHOR OF THE AGREEMENT
The anchor of the agreement, as the Leader of the Opposition noted in his closing remarks, was the increased increment of 1 per cent per year taking it to 15 per cent after 5 years. When the cheers subsided and the implementation started, it became clear that the Government does not intend to honour its side of the bargain.
By whatever assessment one makes, with or without the expenditure for the University of the West Indies taken out, which by the way has not been increased and is probably less than last year's, the government has actually given less to virtually every area of education, in clear breach of the solemn undertaking. Surely, it is time we stop cheering announcements, agreements and memoranda of understanding, and watch and wait to see if the promises held out are kept.
What then ought to be this common vision for Jamaica? I think, at the beginning, we need a clear blueprint to create wealth through economic expansion and development. We must go for prosperity, for more production and the increased output of our people. While I do not underestimate the importance of justice, peace and harmony, education, values and attitude, and a happy and secure society, I think they will be difficult, nay impossible, to achieve when the vast majority of our people endure such economic distress.
If there is to be one vision for a strong Jamaica, at the present time, it must be to improve the economic well-being of the Jamaican people, through production, development and investment. We need creative and visionary plans for the renewal, improvement and development of the Jamaican landscape that can attract capital, and put the Jamaican people to work.
Delroy Chuck is an attorney-at-law and Opposition Member of Parliament. He can be contacted by e-mail at Delchuck@Hotmail.Com.
