Set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Thursday, September 02, 2010

Dear Editor,

There are those who believe that the Creator - Yahweh, Elohim, Yahshua - rules in the affairs of men, even with the apparent ongoing struggle between the "Mystery of Iniquity" and the "Mystery of Righteousness".

In any case, it appears that Jamaica may currently be experiencing some kind of revelation or revival of desire (and opportunity) for righteousness to take the lead, even if the struggle must continue or the wheat and the tares must grow together until the harvest.

Hence the view that now is the time for the righteous to encourage and work with our prime minister and other righteous leaders, to advance the process, so that Jamaica's motto, national anthem and pledge may be fully realised, in accordance with the Creator's purpose, pattern and plan, for Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Concerning the way forward, therefore, let the prime minister and the government move immediately, even while pursuing normal economic and social issues to establish an official Truth and Reconciliation Commission - clearing the way for genuine confession, acknowledgement, repentance, forgiveness and - as much as necessary and possible - reconciliation. This would facilitate issues and persons from Edward Seaga to Finsac, from Matthews Lane to Tivoli,

"Dudusgate" and from Manatt Phelps and Phillips to Trafigura and more.

Then let the country embark on discussions and consultations toward instituting possibly simple but important changes in the way "government" works in Jamaica.

Let us govern and be governed by conscience and consensus and not by extortion or any other kind of tribalism or tyranny - whether of the majority or the minority.

Let us establish or agree upon a national code of personal, political, social,religious and parliamentary conduct, and a body of laws and principles by which to govern and be governed - based on principles extracted, by and with consensus, from the full range of religious, philosophical and sociological bases to which we are exposed and upon which we can agree.

Let there be an executive body of primarily elected members, from any number of political parties, much like the present lower house of parliamentary representatives - the Cabinet functioning like the executive in the context of a Board of Directors - and a legislative or policy-making body (a real upper house) comprising a Council of Elders, representing and nominated by various social, economic, religious and other (non-political?) sectors of Jamaica's out of many one people, and with permanent professional secretariat and staff.

There should also be a special truth and reconciliation commission for churches and religious groups - especially for Christians with a view to recognising and agreeing among themselves on some basic facts, and on ways to discern and distinguish between spiritual and physical, as well as between faith, facts and truth.

In any case, they should also agree on some kind of code of religious ethics, tolerance and practice, with due respect for the religious and the non-religious.

C Anthony

carltongor@gmail.com

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COMMENTS (5)

Jacqueline Samms
9/3/2010

What we need is a commissioner of inquiry with the power to prison these people.

David Armstrong
9/2/2010

I am glad to see that someone sees it the way I see it. I have been calling for Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) from day one. The TRC will give people who genuinely want a change the opportunity to seek atonement, to get forgivness, and to bring closure to all the issues. If only people would recognize the power of the TRC they would be demanding it. It is like a rvival that helps people to confess, seek atonement and forgiveness. The current issues cannot be solved politically.

N Manley Blythe
9/2/2010

Good letter, good thoughts, I felt peace flowing through me as I read. It can be done.

Brad Kerr
9/2/2010

Why ? Because South Africa did it it Jamaica should. We have different issues. We are democracy contrary to what some might beleive. The society is not devided based on ones race, maybe wealth but that is common in all societies. Jamaica problems are unique to Jamaica, political in nature and as such we need to get rid of all politicians from the era that fostered this cycle on betrayal and violence. That should be our starting point. Younger people thing differently and change witll stem from t

Charles Battiste
9/2/2010

Much respect! This sounds like the way forward that we should be seeking. This sounds like it would be the beginning of a progress to move forward.

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Set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission