We need you, Mr Moss-Solomon
Dear Editor,
While I understand James Moss-Solomon’s frustration with the politics of Independent Jamaica – frustration shared by a large cross section of the Jamaican population – we cannot resign ourselves to failure and allow our nation to fall into the hands of partisan and political hacks; creating a situation where reason is abandoned and justice the province of savage beasts. Under such circumstances Jamaica would descend into anarchy.
Therefore, while we understand that the political directorate of the last 48 years has squandered much of Jamaica’s potential to the point of failure, we must offer ourselves as part of the solution. The political debacle, like the crime problem, is not too far gone for us to rein it in. This has been done before. The rejection of “democratic socialism” forced the second Manley administration to adopt alternative policies. The 18-years rejection of the JLP forced it to abandon its “One Don” personality cult for the more inclusive leadership which now characterises the JLP.
A good starting point for changing the system of politics as practised in Jamaica is campaign financing. Corporate Jamaica, of which Moss-Solomon is a prominent member, must cut its support for political parties and politicians engaged in corruption, must promote people of integrity and encourage educated political participation by the masses in the political process. Political parties like politicians are products of their environment Therefore, if we continue to throw financial and logistical support behind corrupt and inept politicians, we will always have a corrupt system of mal-administration.
Just imagine the situation if partisans took over leadership of the public boards. Please reconsider, Mr Moss-Solomon. Your leadership is required. Do not allow our country to fall further into the hands of the corrupt and inept. What Jamaica needs now are more people like yourself demanding change and getting it through the power of the purse. Make a stand for Jamaica, blow the whistle on the corrupt and inept and call them by their names, so they may be removed from the process.
Professor Errol Miller and the Electoral Commission have done a stellar job in reforming Jamaica’s electoral system. Imagine the frustrations and opposition he faced in that area, yet the system has been reformed. Danville Walker is doing a similar job at the Jamaica Customs, Greg Christie drives fear into hearts of the corrupt and inept. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Phillip A Chambers
phillipdcchambers@yahoo.com