Ian Boyne

It's the time of the year for fun, frolic and friendship. If we could add some food for thought to that trio, then perhaps we can retain something from this season which should be high on not just cheers, but commitments.

Christmas is the one festival which unites the world in celebration. It is enjoyed by Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, atheists and other secularists who have no connection to orthodox Christianity. Christmas has become largely a secular festival.

Of course, it still retains its religious trappings and there are the church services, choral offerings and other religious niceties, but even among Christians the occasion is anticipated more for the time with family and friends, the camaraderie of the season, the break from the usual spirit of nastiness and emotional coldness. The futile calls to put back Christ into Christmas will continue to be just that - futile.

A time for reflection

For people in my religious tradition, Christmas is a poor substitute for the meaningful and rich biblical Feast of Tabernacles. But we are in the insignificant minority. For the vast majority, this is the time which can be used for reflection, especially as we contemplate a new year. I would like to put some matters on the agenda for your consideration.

I think this is an excellent time for us to consider the quality of our relationships as a people. The season makes us feel closer to others, to forget about some of our differences and conflicts and to cherish some good thoughts about people to whom we might normally be hostile. We are at least psychologically disposed toward kindly thoughts and toward some kind of gentleness.

Heavy price

Jamaica has paid a very heavy price for our fractiousness, our divisiveness, and our poor conflict resolution skills.

We talk about what is needed for respectable economic growth and we mention a number of things, but place very little emphasis on harmonious relationships, trust, and the ability to broker win-win outcomes and to build strategic alliances. Jamaica's low level of social capital has cost us dearly.

Those who like to point to Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan as sterling examples of economic transformation and growth (which they are ) must understand that, despite political authoritarianism in some of those societies, the quality of their human relationships is a major factor in their success.

We could solve so many problems and avoid so much tension and rancour simply by talking more with one another rather than speaking past one another and shouting at each other. Look at how much emotional energy has been expended on the issue of the proposed prospecting in the Cockpit Country. A prospecting license was granted only to be suspended to do what should have been all done all along - which is to sit together, work through the issues and reaffirm the integrity and goodwill of everyone concerned. Don't we know how much these seemingly "simple" lapse in communication cost this country? The unions at JPS are making loud threats and promising darkness over the holidays when the issue at stake is a simple one. I don't want to enter the dispute, so don't drag me in it by saying I am attacking the unions and letting the management off the hook. I am only referring to the facts of the public statements made by the unions. I have no doubt that if the management had a certain quality of relationship with the unions, there would be no need for us to hear about the issue.

The head of Scotiabank, a major player in the Jamaican corporate sector and a "big man in society", to use the language of the working class, angrily pulls out of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica with his bank because he can't have his own way. And the country's umbrella private sector grouping, with the country's best in the corporate world, can't even elect a president without a fuss and a great noise. So we have a problem not only with political leadership in the country but with leadership in the corporate sector, too.

It is time that all of us take stock. The Prime Minister has toured two parishes and political opponents have been out to display their party loyalty in ways that she and her supporters find offensive and provocative.

Then one comrade called This Morning on Hot-102 to say that the Prime Minister must announce when she is touring "so that we the comrades can know when to protect her." So the battle lines are being drawn.

Please, in between your sips of liquor, doing the 'hot wuk', dutty wine, stuffing yourself with cake and excessive food with family and friends; do take some time to really contemplate your actions, my dear tribalists. We are having a jolly good time this weekend, but what is the sense of putting ourselves in an orgiastic stupor, indulging our hedonistic tastes (while claiming to be celebrating the birth of Christ) and having to face the prospects of a bloody and conflict-ridden 2007? Let us use the time - at least some of it - to make some commitments which can serve us well in the New Year.

The tribalists should first start by listening to their political leaders, who sometimes say the right words. Bruce Golding said the right words at his recent party conference, appealing to his party faithful to show courtesy to the comrades. He made the important point that PNP and JLP have to live together after the elections. The Jamaica Labour Party leader needs to keep repeating that. Some of his followers might get the point.

The Prime Minister in her Press Association of Jamaica address also called for civility and a kinder, gentler society. She stressed the importance of conviviality, tolerance for diversity and differences. She needs to keep on that theme, too, especially as we go into an election after the diversion of Cricket World Cup (After all these diversions, we have to come back to reality and face the real music)

The JLP has been a responsible Opposition.When one thinks of the number of hot, steamy and volatile public issues which could have been exploited by the JLP and yet they have confined themselves to mere rhetoric, the party is to be commended. The issues surrounding National Solid Waste, the Portmore Toll, Trafigura and a host of others on which many people felt strongly could have seen an irresponsible or more politically daring Opposition taking to the streets and causing serious mayhem in the country.

PNP supporters at this time of thanksgiving should give thanks not only for their government but for the Opposition which they have. They might not like Bruce Golding because he is assertive in Parliament and is not afraid to take on their party leader, but if that party were led by a reckless leader Jamaica would pay dearly, to use a famous quote from the past.

Golding, in fact, has taken some criticisms from some hotheads in the party for being too soft and "too middle class" because he prefers to play by the rules of the Westminster system (tough he would want - constitutionally and legitimately - to change it to a presidential system).

As we watch world news and see the level of atrocities taking place in other countries, we give thanks for our Government and Opposition. Both have acted to protect our democracy to not to tarnish our good reputation in this area.

Each of us should ensure that our actions and attitudes in no way deflect from whatever good both have wrought. For make no mistake about it, even if Bruce Golding does give next year's Christmas message from Jamaica House, if the quality of our social relations and our moral climate remains the same, he will not be much more successful than his predecessors. It is in the interest of all of us - PNP, JLP and independents - to hope that fellow Jamaicans make the kinds of commitments to themselves and to future generations which will stand us in good stead.

Ian Boyne is a veteran journalist who may be reached at ianboyne1@yahoo.com.