Errol Hewitt, Contributor

Parliamentarians entering Gordon House ahead of the delivery of the Throne Speech last year. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

"In all labour there is profit but idle talk leads only to poverty. The crown of the wise is their wealth of wisdom but the foolishness of self-confident fools is nothing but folly." Proverbs 14:23-24

In a matter now of hours the elections will be over and whoever the new Prime Minister is, he/she will have his/her own mandate for direct responsibility for the government of this country. With political independence came our right to make our own decisions and critically, to live with the results. Such decisions are becoming more frighteningly important in a world where a new type of empire is being fashioned and globally extended through surrogate colonies, supported by economic and military force which is used unhesitantly towards this end; a world where countries like Jamaica can be used as pawns or elbowed aside. We have seen this for example, in the unrelenting use of economic power against Caribbean bananas in Europe, and recently the use of military power in the Middle East. Additionally, Jamaica's social and economic circumstance is so pressing that we will need quickly to get past the new Prime Minister's expected euphoric victory speech which, judging from past experience, will include abstract promises presented appropriately with subdued emotions in projecting humble commitment. Fortunately, as this election has been in the making for over two years, and whoever becomes Prime Minister has already had experience in government for decades, there will be no need for a 'honeymoon' and he/she should already have a plan in hand and a Cabinet in mind. These are serious times and we need serious government.

DISTRUSTFUL

Many Jamaicans continue to be distrustful of successive governments but the fact is we cannot do without them. While natural resources [oil, etc.] and the social and economic environment are important, history insists that the capability of a country's government and the ability of its people to respond are even more important. In fact, while many of the countries in this region have no more natural resources than Jamaica, many have even less, yet several have by proper planning and execution realised economic development at a consistently faster rate. From a socio-economic standpoint we, the once 'pearl of the Antilles', are now ranked in the bottom 25 per cent in the region. The economy certainly does not operate outside the decisions of individuals, corporations and governments but it is the latter's policies and decisions that are especially pivotal.

Interestingly, of 63 years of elected governments, both the JLP and the PNP have been in power for almost the same length of time - the JLP for 30 years and the PNP for 33 years. Let's accept right off that there have been gains over the last six decades but, despite this, the circumstance of the mass of the people today is still one of distressing hardship and a desperate seeking for hope. To this end the very public line at the U.S. Embassy begin being formed before daybreak - as does the line at the rear of the Canadian High Commission. Living conditions - housing, sanitation, security, etc. - for a substantial number of our people are still depressingly unacceptable, as is living under the heels of a community 'don'. The continuing high level of crime and violence is a frustratingly limiting and distressing reality in the lives of the mass of our people, and hope for relief is shattered by the realisation that not even the politicians seem able to anymore exert any control.

Whatever is thepolitical perspective after tomorrow, there will be early signs. The urgency with which crucially important political issues which have a direct bearing on our country and its democracy are dealt with such as amending the constitution, [Charter of Rights, republic status, etc] campaign financing, recall of parliamentarians, etc., will be a sign of the extent of the new government's validity.

MINISTERS AND BACKBENCHERS

Government's vision and how it is organised is crucial to social and economic development but its inadequacies impact excruciatingly painful on its people - even for generations. The insufficiency of political representation, for example, is a consistent major complaint from the constituencies. This is a matter exacerbated by the increasing practice of appointing two of every three government parliamentarians as ministers, etc. seemingly a reward for performance on the election platform.

The fact is that a large government back bench [i.e., members without responsibility for ministries should allow more members greater time to focus on constituents, which after all is a major principle of what politics is about.

These backbenchers with feet planted among the constituents and their ears attuned to the people's pain ought to be of significant value to a government seeking to serve. These back benchers, however, are marginalised by their small numbers and elbowed to the fringes of influence by a political culture which seems more focused on power and its benefits than service to the people. Their inherent advantage is therefore lost and governments become out of touch and insensitive to the people's plight. The result? Top down government, "we know what's best for you". Sensibly limiting the number of ministries can be facilitated seamlessly and efficiently by proper selection and use of information and communication technology.

A majority of the new government parliamentarians having 'office' and a small number of backbenchers will be a sign that the political realities remain the same.

LOYALTY VS COMPETENCE

Appointing some ministers, etc., as a reward for electioneering instead of based on competence and ability has cost us dearly in the past in funds, time and personnel. In fact, if we review past cabinets, it's not difficult to assume that some appointments must have been made in the hope that, for the nation's sake, something transforming would occur akin to what the apostle Paul experienced on the road to Damascus.

Limiting the number of ministries to just what is required, i.e., between about eight and nine, would hopefully reduce our possible utilisation of questionable talent and spare the country all sorts of trauma; after all, we've been there many times before. If there are insufficient talent the new Prime Minister could adopt French Prime Minister Sarkozy's strategy of also selecting ministers from other parties. Sarkozy explained that party loyalty cannot be enough; efficiency must also be a requirement. How this issue is dealt with will be an early sign of what is in store for us.

The cost of national elections is increasingly expensive to the political parties and similarly, candidates have to undertake attracting greater amounts for their own elections. It's commonly understood that 'invisible' illegal earnings contribute substantially to our national income. Both the current government and, the Opposition acknowledge the possible threat of criminals 'buying into Government'; this together with our reputation for violence and the proliferation of guns are also the ingredients for an even worse type of national nightmare - anarchy, unenforced law and ineffective government. Failure to deal directly with these grave issues will be a sign of even worse to come.

SOUNDER FOUNDATION

Our politics needs to be on a sounder foundation than pork barrel culture, served with a pre-election box of chicken and a 'Nanny' [$500]. The continuing public perception of our politicians as Brer Anancy in the flesh; samfie man wearing a higgler's apron with a pair of pockets from the waist to the ankles has to be replaced by a more positive concept of politics and politicians. Efficient government in a developing country is indispensable for national development, as is the public's trust in its government. There is hardly much difference in attitude for example, between a government which adamantly protects its own Cabinet members' incompetence and people in a community protecting a gunman; in either instance the nation and individuals suffer. The good book reminds that 'admission of errors is the beginning of wisdom' and we all want wise governments.

This election has regrettably been less about the candidates and policies and more about who will become Prime Minister. The post carries enormous power, including over his/her Cabinet ministers and the ability to ensure urgent improvement in our politics and its culture. How these powers are used in our interest will begin to become clear from the moment the ministries and ministers are announced. Then we will begin to see if we were deceived - yet again.

'He who does not seize opportunity today, will be unable to seize tomorrow's opportunity'. - Somali Proverb

Errol Hewitt is an information and communication technology planning consultant with the United Nations and the Commonwealth Secretariat.