Hilary Robertson-Hickling, Contributor
AFTER 65 YEARS of great service to Jamaica, Boys' Town is struggling to stay alive. Carl Brown has identified the importance of the institution in shaping his character as a man of character, faith and integrity. His leadership and impact as a coach have been heralded locally and internationally. Boys' Town was the result of the faith and vision of Father Hugh Sherlock, who wrote the words for our prophetic National Anthem. He recognised that institutions were the foundation of a viable society in which we can sustain our heritage for future generations. He also recognised that it is institutions, not individuals, that stand the test of time.
Boy's Town has saved the lives of many who had the stark choice of the ball or the bullet, according to Carl Brown. Whole communities are now at risk of disintegration as young men choose the bullet. This country is suffering as the cult of the personality and the glorification of individuals who occupy leadership are not seen as distinct from the institutions that they should be held accountable for. Many of today's leaders would not understand why Boys' Town is not Sherlock Town, that any idea that does not survive its founder is not sustainable if succession has not been planned and structures, and resources have not been appropriately channelled.
INSTITUTION BUILDERS
We clearly need a new generation of Jamaican institution builders as opposed to the individual builders who seem to dominate at this time. In this context we see cronyism, corruption and cynicism threatening to overwhelm us. Leaders see the organisational and national resources as their property to dispense with. This country is in great need of people of integrity and people worthy of emulation.
Many of our schools and other institutions have made a great difference in our communities but many are experiencing challenges to their survival. There is a large group of Jamaicans based locally and overseas who have benefited from the efforts of these institutions, they must be mobilised to reinvest their time and talent. The call to service is, in fact, overdue as we see some of our colleagues and countrymen wringing their hands in despair. A call to action and to building is being made and we need to respond with urgency. How can people be involved in the institutional building and strengthening process?
They must give their time, their talent and any other resources that they have available. They can be mentors, give scholarships, give jobs, and be present as these institutions and the communities which they serve are renewed. Fund-raising and so many other roles are available for interested persons to serve. Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Britain, was wrong when she said "No more community". Our country and our world cannot survive without us caring for each other; we know that it is not satisfactory for only the 'strong to survive' We need Boys' Towns and Girls' Towns in every parish, and we need a new partnership of the public, private and NGO sectors.
Hilary Robertson-Hickling is a lecturer in the Department of Management Studies at the University of the West Indies.
