Dear Reader,

Several prominent Jamaicans in recent times have described our country as a “failed state”. I beg to differ. Jamaica is not a “failed state”, and the incredible talents that abound, including those of our athletes, are a testament to the vitality and indomitable nature of the Jamaican people.

What Jamaica suffers from is “failed politics”, and while some might argue that a people deserve the government they have, it is also true that the fortunes and misfortunes of a nation are largely dependent on the quality of its leadership. One writer puts the point succinctly when he says, “Human history gives lengthy endorsement to the fact that no generation can rise above the level of its leadership. Nations rise and fall according to the effectiveness of their governments.”

The current disarray within the ruling Jamaica Labour Party government underscores the failure of our politics. At a time when the Jamaican economy is perched on the edge of a precipice and the living conditions of the people are growing worse day by day, the prime minister announces his resignation and opens up the country to partisan political instability and uncertainty.

The anticipated infighting for leadership within the JLP is incalculable, and presents a very serious risk. Some people are already describing the impending conflict as “civil war”, a notion that is not at all far-fetched when one considers the assortment of potential candidates for the job and the personality disputes that could easily arise.

At the moment the signs look ominous for a smooth leadership transition. The word on the street is that the battle lines are being drawn and that some are prepared to fight to the bitter end.

The impending JLP civil war is complicated by the speculation as to what precisely precipitated Mr Golding’s resignation. I’m not sure if the country will ever hear the truth, “the whole truth and nothing but the truth” from the still sitting prime minister, but it seems clear that the reasons for Mr Golding’s hasty retreat will play a big role in who wins and who loses.

In addition to the economic and social risks inherent in this sudden political “tsunami”, is the inevitable distraction from the pressing election issues that voters should be focusing on, to a personality contest devoid of seriousness and substance. At a time when the country should be debating the issues of joblessness, crime, cost of living, the condition of the children, education, health, and other urgent national problems, we have been forced to focus on a “Mr Jamaica Contest”, and to say “May the best man win” is a fully loaded statement.

With the exception of the unswerving diehards, I imagine that the percentage of Jamaicans who are fed up with both JLP and PNP will increase. My hope is that the growing apathy will be converted to action, and that my

fellow Jamaicans will understand how important it is to support and strengthen the calls for the transformation of the political system and culture, as well as that of the wider society. The huge bloc of uncommitted voters must now band together as Jamaicans committed to change and demand a higher standard of governance than what currently obtains.

I am flabbergasted by the level of political bankruptcy that continues to be paraded as good politics. The cumulative total of 23 years of the former PNP administration followed by JLP rule has been dismal to say the least. Asking the Jamaican public to re-elect either of the two is like saying “we know we have done very little for you, but vote for us anyway”. If the proposition weren’t so serious, it could easily become the standard late-night joke.

I don’t think that the PNP even remembers that Opposition parties have a duty to perform on behalf of the people while in Opposition. With the exception of the usual ranting and raving in the Houses of Parliament, I can’t think of anything tangible that the PNP has achieved in the last four years as the main Opposition party.

Winning by default may work in small claims courts, but it can be profoundly problematic when it comes to a political party entrusted with governing a country. With the JLP in disarray, the PNP must be certain that winning by default is definite. The fact that the verdict is still out on the over 18 years of poor governance is obviously of no significance. It seems that what the PNP is actually saying is, “Don’t bother to pay attention to our poor record of performance. After all, the JLP is more corrupt than we are. Give us your vote anyway.”

As the door closes behind Mr Golding, a completely new structure must be built by honest, honorouble and capable workmen and women. Let’s put our shoulders to the wheel and start the rebuilding exercise.

bab2609@yahoo.com