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Editorial
Is a country not worth more than political gamesmanship?
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
BREATHES there a man with soul so dead, who never to himself hath said, this is my own, my native land? Is there no single moment when those who would lead will choose to put country before party? Is a country not worth more than political gamesmanship?
We ask these questions, not to fill this space with skilful words, but to shout caution to our compatriots that it is not political games that will fill our national coffers, and especially not one in the grip of a most stubborn recession.
More specifically, we summon attention to the continuing debacle of the Christopher Coke/Manatt, Phelps and Phillips affair, which is now eclipsing everything that is of importance to the recovery of this economy and this nation.
No one can seriously challenge the fact that all the flak that the Government has been getting over this issue was of its own making and was truly deserved.
The lesson we sincerely hope the Government has learnt is that one cannot effectively rule without credibility and leading by example. Prime Minister Bruce Golding erred dreadfully when he chose not to come straight on the issue the minute it was raised in the Parliament in March by Dr Peter Phillips.
We have taken a strong position ourselves on the issue and we still hope that anything yet in the dark will come to light.
But now we are beginning to get a sinking feeling that much of the commentary on the Manatt issue is becoming personal, as if some of us have found a way to get back at the administration for grudges that were long festering.
Moreover, pressing matters of state such as economic growth, fighting off the recession, building back tourism, readying the education plant for the new academic year, improving health care delivery and the continuing efforts to keep criminals on the run, are seemingly no longer of importance.
In a sense, one can understand that the Opposition, with its eye always on elections, might have no interest in anything but those issues on which it can whip the Government. But we would warn against the scorched earth policy that would see the country crash to its knees, than see positive developments that might make the administration look good.
There is a country to run. There are investors local and foreign who are watching the economic indicators, in order to make decisions that could bring jobs, or migrate jobs.
There is, for instance, the US$400 million that the Government needs to find by next year to repay a bond acquired on the international capital market by the previous administration.
The all-important tourism industry is still in recovery mode, after the 'Dudus' fallout.
We have committed to an economic programme with the International Monetary Fund which is critical to our nation's future.
We still have to hover like protective hens over the tentative gains in the agriculture sector that is beginning to put a dent in our food import bill.
In short, we dare not sacrifice the future of this country for a mess of political pottage. Somehow, we have to find the strength to put our country and people first.
To those who would foolishly make the case that we're suggesting that the Coke/Manatt issue should not be discussed, perish the thought.
Our point is that if we're not careful, we will find ourselves so bogged down in the charges and counter-charges that the extremely serious matters that we must deal with to improve our lives will suffer grave neglect.
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9/1/2010
I hope we will see an editorial tomorrow on the police conference in Ocho Rios today, and the nurses action. Talk about economy turning around and they are not paying public sector workers, but giving fat contracts to their henchmen.
9/1/2010
Highly irresponsible article,we would be setting a VERY dangerous precedent - a govt led the country to the brinks of anarchy all in the name of protecting an alleged gun runner and drug trafficker - if we don't demand removal of such a pm (maybe govt) on what grounds can we hold anyone accountable??
Here lies the difference between a responsible Newspaper and a politically aligned tabloid.
9/1/2010
I partially agree with the editor,but should point out that the media also has a role to play,by not highlighting each and every proclamation emanating from those who wish to capitalise on the issue, for political purposes.
9/1/2010
Texroy, I could not agree with you more. That is exactly what one of my other post was alluding to. We can't move on until the government comes clean and show its commitment to ending corruption by setting the first significant example.
9/1/2010
While I agree with the editor, before we move on officials who are implicated in this saga should resign. While it is good to move on we have to be careful of the kind of message we sent to young aspiring politicians. "We can do anything and get away", Because if Bruce and selected government officials lie to the nation and still remain in office then I can do the same in the future, All I need to do is have the media at right hand to do the re-branding excercise.
9/1/2010
Elements in the JLP/GOJ concocted a ridiculous plot in defense of a don. They are their own saboteurs!
It is in this regard that I find the silence of Mr Tufton and Mr Holness quite disappointing!
What is it that prevents these men of integrity from breaking away from a corrupt system that serves only to enslave a country?
What is the point of their high morals if they insist on still being members of a system that thwarts it's own progress and that of the nation?
Betty Ann, yu call dem yet?
9/1/2010
Well: It looks like the script to switch user-names and create the impression that a lot of people share your view misfired today.
Charles Battiste (AKA: David Armstrong), At least learn how to operate your propaganda tools.
9/1/2010
Den people oonu did tink this editor serious when him used to bash the JLP? That was what everyone was doing and the paper had to be topical come on. It is now political gamemanship to still demand the truth from your leaders and be firm with your demand to be led with integrity. It wasnt political gamesmanship when it was the talk of the day and this paper was cashing in on it? According to the editor its time to move on there are bigger fish to fry, once again the politican WINS
9/1/2010
"we have to find the strength to put our country and people first." So should Golding and he could begin by getting out of Jamaica House.
HE MUST GO!
9/1/2010
@David Armstrong, what will your truth and reconsilliation commission do to fix the problems that ails the country. They could only recommend to parliament who could then ignore the recommendation. Go to the next move on the chess board. The constitution has to be fixed, the libel laws need to be reformed, and laws to make politicla party financing transparent need to be passed. Build the proper infrastructure and the changes will follow.
9/1/2010
Thats the problem with us, we will excuse everything and have a reason to do so. The Editor now thinks we should forget what happened, the lives lost and move on so its earlier talks were just to be current? Our politicians will always take us for granted, they know whatever it is we soon get weary and give up, dem just haffe wait it out, a we dat. Yuh imagine if it were people like this editor fighting slavery for our freedom? after a few setbacks you dah hear "cho me caan bada", poor us!
9/1/2010
"..we are beginning to get a sinking feeling that much of the commentary on the Manatt issue is becoming personal" Which such commentary? Hahahahah. The colours of the Observer are on display. Mr. Editor, remember who called names at Papine. Such unwarranted attacks by Golding could cause serious damage (even physical) to those he is now seeking to blame for a mess of his own making. He is shooting the messenger. Are you afraid of stray shot!!!
9/1/2010
Jamaica must be strong enough to multitask
9/1/2010
Why am I not surprised at this editorail ? Mr Editor all the JLP/Govt has to do is (1) release all the contract with MPP (2) Seeing that they were working for the JLP , tell us what the Solicitor General was doing in the mix and(3) explain all those emails and then we will let go. Whats so so hard in that , Sir? I guess you have your agenda just like everyone else because there you go bringing up the $400 million acquired by the opposition. Thats not new ,you are just trying to shift our focus.
9/1/2010
As you have rightly said, the flak over Manatt is self-inflicted and justly deserved. Mr. Golding's actions are unprecedented in its arrogant attempt to bamboozle us and treat us like we are idiots that can't tell the difference between right and wrong and a truth & a lie. It's not the PNP that is fanning the flames of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, we're tired and fed up with our "chief servant" & his accomplices lauding it over us. Our actions should serve as a reminder to them of who's the Boss
9/1/2010
Too much of the same people making the same comments over and over again, one wonders if they are politically motivated. Mr. editor you could not have said it better
9/1/2010
Have you ever heard of any caribbean ministers resigning moreso jamaican? We have flogged the horse enough, lets get on with our lives
9/1/2010
I totally agree with the editor. The government has blundered and they have been battered and bruised for it all because they refused to be truthful to the nation initially. However its time for us to move on with our lives and the business of the country. Have you heard that it is possible that Jamaica has oil?. Look at the economy, tourism, crime and other positives. In Europe and to a lesser extent America ministers have resigned for lesser offenses than what Bruce, Campbell and PJ did.
9/1/2010
This newspaper is showing is falling down on moral issues you are now back tracking from your original stance. Are we to tell our young people that there are two different standards that govern the country?
If a young government official take a small bribe and caught are we going to ask him to apologize?
Here we have a Prime Minister who was trying to protect an alleged drug and gun runner giving his company millions of dollars of contract while there was a request for his extradition, because of Mr. Golding’s posture in the issue 73 persons lost their lives billions of dollars lost damage to the country’s image.
We are not here talking about government resignation we are talking about individuals who deceive the country. Every self respecting paper should be demanding that Mr. Golding resigned. The paper is playing political gamesmanship.
9/1/2010
While I have no problem with this editorial I am disappointed that the Editor has not taken a stand and call for specific actions that would facilitate an official account of Dudus/MPP. Specifically, I am disappointed that the editor has not seen it appropriate to call for a TRUTH & RECONCILLIATION COMMISSION. Surely, you should realize by now that the truth is not going to be told by those responsible for this Dudus mess.
9/1/2010
Not a week goes by without an editorial that discusses the Dudus/MPP affair. While I have no problem with this I am disappointed that the Editor has not taken a stand and call for specific actions that would facilitate an official account of Dudus/MPP. Specifically, I am disappointed that the editor has not seen it appropriate to call for a TRUTH & RECONCILLIATION COMMISSION. Are we to listen to the politicians babbling everyday and your reaction to them? Surely, you should realize by now that the truth is not going to be told by those responsible for this Dudus mess.
9/1/2010
This editorial alludes to the lack of political leadership in Jamaica today. Many of the problems are the result of failed political leadership with no vision, no integrity, and no principles. Furthermore the political leaders spend more energy preserving and promoting their political agenda rather than doing the same for their country. A case in point is the newly formed Integrity commission by the PNP. A better plan for Jamaica would have been to restore the integrity of the political system.
9/1/2010
All this Labba Labba without calling for a resignation is a waste of time. This is a reversal of your position in May. Also between the Editor and Wignall mixing up Triafugura in the name of "balance" is skullduggery and foolishness. NO one is asking for the government to resign. We are simply asking for the Drivah who shopped around for his license to step aside.
9/1/2010
Mr. Editor, don't patronize us with this folly in order to let the bad guys keep doing their bad things. If it was Mr. and Mrs. Littlemen and Littlewomen, you would be saying we cannot allow them to get away with such a serious act against our nation. Men that died in TG, because they took up arms against our nation have proven that point. We can't forgive a corrupt leaders, because they promise growth and prosperity. We may pay an even higher price in the future for doing so.
9/1/2010
We have to scrap the foundation of corruption, and formulate a system that will bring corrupt leaders to the light and have them face consequences for misleading our nation and distract the people from their growth potential. We can no longer sell our soles to the devil for a loaf of bread, we must sacrifice the sweat and tears accept truth and right, and only then we will start to the light. Our gains will be shared by all, and only then will we see progress.
9/1/2010
I love my country enough to say, too long we have taken the focus off the foundation of corruption that our country was founded and developed on. Back then we had the same economic issues at play, and we have not progressed beyond planning, because we keep forgiving poor leaders which allowed them to become more corrupt to the point where they bankrupted us. If we don't stomp out corruption, the gains you are forcasting will still be zero in years to come.
9/1/2010
Those who lead, aspire to lead, or seek to lead our people must be measured by the guiding principles of Integrity, Morality and the Rule of Law.
We simply cannot just "hope for truth", but must seek and demand the truth.
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