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Casualties of war
LLOYD B SMITH
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
FROM here on, Jamaica's checkered political history will be chronologically categorised as AD - Anno Dudus (in the year of Dudus), BD (before Dudus) and AD (after Dudus). And 2010 will forever be regarded as annus horribilis for all well-thinking, patriotic Jamaicans, both here and abroad. Yes, we are "in deep trouble".
National Hero Sir Alexander Bustamante, founder of the Jamaica Labour Party, must be weeping in his grave. His statue downtown Kingston which depicts when he bared his chest to the security forces, daring them to shoot him but spare the lives of his people, must now be viewed with bitter-sweet emotions when seen against the backdrop of what is happening in the Corporate Area with respect to the attempts to arrest West Kingston strongman Christopher "Dudus" Coke.
Today, one of his successors as leader of the JLP, Bruce Golding, who is also MP for West Kingston as well as Minister of Defence, has come across as seeking to say, "Shoot me (kill my political career) but leave Dudus alone." In a foolish, cowardly and ill-conceived manner, Mr Golding and those in his party and government who have followed him blindly into this current conundrum, would have us accept that it is okay for one man to hold this country to ransom. Constitutional rights do not stop at Liguanea, indeed!
But in all of this, I have much difficulty blaming Dudus per se for what has transpired. After all, we all know who Dudus is and what he stands for. He has carved out his own fiefdom and established a state within a state which he rules over as the "president". The people of Jamaica did not elect him; they elected Orette Bruce Golding who, by virtue of having convinced the governor general that he commands the majority of support from the 60 MPs, was appointed prime minister - first among equals. The oaths that he took would have served to convince us that as chief servant, he would be there to ensure that Jamaica remains a safe and potentially prosperous society.
In this context, how does one juxtapose collective responsibility with patriotism in order to ensure that the national interest supersedes narrow, partisan and personal interests? It takes statesmanship. Let me remind my readers that the definition of a statesman is a person who shows wisdom and skill in conducting state affairs and treating public issues, or one experienced or engaged in the business of government.
A politician, on the other hand, is described as a person actively engaged in politics, especially party politics, professionally or otherwise; often, a person holding or seeking political office: frequently used in a derogatory sense, with implications of seeking personal or partisan gain, scheming, opportunism, etc, as distinguished from statesman, which suggests able, far-seeing, principled conduct of public affairs. Bearing all of this in mind, can it be honestly said that there is one single statesman emerging from this wretched affair? Has our prime minister acted statesmanlike? You be the judge!
For all intents and purposes, there is a civil war unfolding in Jamaica. The dictionary definition of a civil war is a war between geographical sections or political factions of the same nation. This is a most peculiar civil war unprecedented in the history of modern man as there are so many grey areas and conflicts of interest. And what is most unfortunate is that Bruce Golding, who was seen by many Jamaicans both here and in the diaspora as the politician most likely to take a statesmanlike attitude towards governance, especially within the context of the nexus between politics and organised crime, has failed most miserably. To put it bluntly, he has lacked the testicular fortitude to take Jamaica to a higher level. So it is not that Jamaica has become or is becoming a failed state. It is that it has a failed government.
Bustamante, in defending himself against a Daily Gleaner columnist named G St C Scotter who questioned his motives in wanting to lead the Jamaican people, stated in a letter to the editor on August 31, 1938, entitled, "Why I want power", inter alia, "Yes, I want power, sufficient power to be able to defend those weaker than I am, those less fortunate, and that's what I have today - POWER..." The potent question then for Bruce Golding is, why do you want power? If you can answer this question as succinctly and sincerely as Bustamante did, then maybe we can begin to trust you again.
Before this civil war ends, there will be many casualties. One that bothers me is the future viability of the JLP. It would be unfortunate if the JLP becomes a spent force, thus leaving Jamaica to be PNP country indefinitely. Our democracy needs vibrant, viable political parties both in government and opposition. It cannot be good for this country if the JLP dies a long death. That is why the Bustamante Labourites must rise up and retake the party so as to ensure that it remains a credible entity seeking to retain or seek state power.
The PNP, in the meantime, must take sleep and mark death. It cannot be business as usual. Lest we forget, in war one of the first casualties is always the truth. This is a turning point in Jamaica's history. Now is the time for all good men and women to stand up and fight for Jamaica land we love, bearing in mind that cowards die many times before their death, but the brave taste of death but once.
lloydbsmith@hotmail.com
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5/29/2010
Lloyd B which constituency the PNP promise you? You can fool some of the people some time, but not all the people all the time. Stop campaigning, its too early. Dont count your chickens before it hatch.
5/25/2010
LloydB, if ever there was a time and place for a government of national unity it is now. The trend over the years since Universal Adult Suffarage is that the proportion of the voting population that participates in elections have been declining steadily. Contrary to @Kerr, by 2007 the split was 30% JLP, 30% PNP with the larger segment of the population of 40% not voting. The politicians appear powerless to prevent this decline. What will happen when the non-voting segment crosses the rubicon with larger than 50% not voting. We need statesmen to recapture our democracy. The present environments, systems and contexts (social, financial, cultural, educational, structural) does not encourage the outcomes we seek and never will. We need to commence the hard work of creating structures which fit our environment and context.
5/25/2010
Have we all forgotten the part in the anthem that says "Jamaica Land We Love?" The next question is. How much do we love Jamaica? This island is no more the land of wood and water; but have, since the late 70's until now, become the land of politics & and senseless violence & crime. Do we all expect progress in this climate? When will this all end? When will Jamaicans outside of the island be free to go home without being fearful of their safety? There are so many questions to be asked. I guess no one knows where the answers are. I tell you what though. The day my fellow Jamaicans in Jamaica wake up and realize whats going on. That is the day the island will be on it's way to growth and progress. Until then things will remain the same. We cheer Bolt's victory; but we continue to defeat ourselves. I am tired of the foolishness. TIRED, TIRED, TIRED.
5/25/2010
What escapes us is the awesome power of public consensus. I could never have imagined any circumstances that could possibly have led to the turnaround in any Govt. Position, past or present, as we've seen in the last few days. Politicians only have the power we give them and we can bend them to our will if we understand this power. Let us seize the day and demand an end to criminal terrorism. Let us collectively secure the future of our country, our children and future generations.
5/25/2010
The surprising thing,in this, is how quickly the PM, change to diaboloically,opposing, positions, and how he defend,the new postion with such venoms?
Against his own peoples?
Is Golding still going to be MP of west kingston?
Knowing how those peoples stay and how he gonna, explain to their families as to why, he changed so suddenly.
Stories a guh round.
Great article,lloyd B.
5/25/2010
5/25/2010
it is Golding dichotonmous postions,that are extremely for truth ,lloyd B.
We cry beloved country.
How does one reconcile, such extremes position with oneself?
5/25/2010
Political violence started with Bustamante and Manley. Self delusion will do us no good.
5/25/2010
Bustamante really did show his power remember the incident@Coral Gardens with the rastas. He was just as corrupt as today politicians. Until the people of Jamaica and abroad decide to tell our politicians no more things will never change we are Jamaicans first!
More Love, More Life
5/25/2010
There will not be a one party government in Jamaica. The people are too attached to their respective parties. 40/40 both PNP and JLP. I think the conundrum that the JLP finds itself in is the one of its chief benafactor is determined to bring them down. I do beleive this event will serve as a wake up call to all politcians, it will forever be in their minds when one Don drove fear in hearts of Ministers and security forces alike. I sincerley beleive going forward candidates for Parliament will take the what we must call the Heather Robinson vow. Only then will we turn a corner Garrison plotics. Only then can Jamaica truly rise above petty partisan politics, that usually cost lives and in turn drive our productivity down. A country with the most labour capital in the english speaking carribean and because of politics we do not produce on the level that will allow us to grow. LB i guess the power lies in the hand of 20 that not a die hard. I dont think they will allow a one party rul
5/25/2010
I fully agree with you Lloyd B that Sir Alexander
Bustamante must be turning in his grave.The Prime
Minister allow the criminal Element to prepare and
arm themselves for over 9 months , and give them a
further 36 hours to assemble.Mr Golding Judgment is
suspect.
5/25/2010
Those who are presently in the upper echelon of the political parties are Dinosuars....their only aim is to plunder and pillage. Bruce Golding, Portia Simpson and everyone over thirty-five years old, have been corrupted by the system and should be pushed out to pasture.....they are of no useful purpose to this Nation. The younger generation has been exposed to different political realities, either through the Internet or Cable....therefore they should be given an opportunity to lead....after all how much worse can they be ?.
5/25/2010
Bruce Golding should be the first casualty.
We are too kind and sympathetic to delinquency. ALL those who support criminality must be REJECTED!
5/25/2010
The unholy alliance between the gunmen of both political parties, demonstrates that both parties care not about the people, but for themselves. The political gunmen have eloquently exposed the sham of this two party system that our leaders have carefully concealed. This a civil war between the two parties and the people of Jamaica. The time has come for the security forces to prevail on behalf of the people.
5/25/2010
For the mere psyche of Jamaica, Bruce must resign. How can we claim to be a nation of laws if Bruce remain as Prime Minister after what he has done to us?
5/25/2010
Dale, do not worry; he has to go after this. We need a united front in this time of crisis, so we will tolerate him until this is over. And I hope that the other dinosaurs in the JLP and the PNP follow him.
5/25/2010
I also pray it does not reach Montego Bay.... Jamaicans love to follow and dont see how negative its can be to take the wrong path...God help us all
5/25/2010
When you have a leader who stares at the mass, dare them the way BRuce does and smare them in this manner and manage to survive, speaks volume about the kind of people our society cherish. The man said he is willing to pay a political price, which in Jamaica is not much as you can see. we have no values and this is the key reason why a TG florished ungoverned. Jamica has about 5 people in each polical party that actually belongs in politics and leadership roles. the rest in any other counrty would be serving life without parole.
5/25/2010
I am in agreement with this column. Golding as PM had the opportunity to peacefully disarm tivoli. He had the resource to reform his garrison constituency. However Golding chose to defend a man wanted for drug ang gunrunning. His ministers were seen at parties with coke. Golding used his office and position to help and overturn the extradition of coke.
Not until it was clear to Golding he was caught lying, did he confess and again tried to be perceived as holier than thou. Not until Golding realised his tenure as PM was at stake did he change colour like a green lizard and instruct his AG to sign the request. But Golding did not stop there, he commanded the security force to move into a community that he allowed to grow in corruption. Tivoli thought they had the support of their PM and MP, he gave them all indications he was on their side. Golding embold his constituents making them believe he would not do what the PNP was accused of by persons including him. Golding deceived Jamaica.
5/25/2010
Oh come on Lloyd B. LOL...Who u trying to fool? You are one of those who would be happy to see a Jamaica where the PNO was the only party holding state power. As a matter of fact you are kinda calling fo it in this article albeit in a "tongue in cheek" way. LOL...Lloyd the jig is up. We all know who is who and why they are what they are. Nuh badda gwaan like u can fool intelligent jamaicans. U just as bad as the politician dem weh u lambast everyday (selectively). Nuff luv same way tho. And I pray this ting don't reach mobay.
5/25/2010
The Prime Minister must Dudus asset must be frozen. The attack on the state is treason with all attackers to be tried by a military tribunal and shot.
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