JAMAICA’S fragile democracy has often been compromised as well as its so-called Westminster parliamentary system by what can be termed “the politics of exclusion”.

In essence, this can best be defined as a scenario in which, when one political party is in power, it is expected by many that the supporters of the losing party will have to “suck salt through a wooden spoon”. In other words, the “a fi wi time now” syndrome takes over and reigns supreme.

This age-old practice has helped to divide Jamaica in a most insidious and deleterious way, and although the spectre of political violence is no longer prevalent, many Jamaicans have been marginalised and continue to be victimised because of the party they support.

Of course, there are those street-savvy Jamaicans who proudly wear the badge “PIP” (Party In Power). These persons quickly align themselves to the ruling party in order to ensure that their noses are in the trough. And, interestingly, these individuals are to be found in every stratum of the Jamaican society, from top to bottom.

Just watch how some of those in the commanding heights of the society genuflect and become sickeningly sycophantic at cocktail parties and official functions. This level of hypocrisy and opportunism is most nauseating, but that is the nature of the game.

Having entered its 51st year of Independence, one would have thought that Jamaica would begin to move away from this ugly partisan game. For example, why is it that when a new Government is formed by the party that was in Opposition it becomes par for the course that all who are not supporters of that party should be axed from their jobs?

This Portia Simpson Miller Administration has been subject to much internal vitriol and fire because it has been felt that it did not move swiftly enough after December 29, 2011 to get rid of all Labourites in government positions. The complaining Comrades have argued (and in some instances they have been right) that the Labourites have been sabotaging the Government in more ways than one.

There have also been cases where the persons in these controversial positions were not qualified for the jobs but were simply placed there in their capacity as well-known political activists. I know of one case where someone in a supervisory position can barely read and write!

The PNP this time round, and rightly so, has sought not to embark on a wholescale hatchet job, seeking to weed out all Labourites. In any event, the JLP was smart enough to renew several contracts just prior to the last general election, which meant that the Government would face a hefty bill should it decide to let these contracted persons go.

And in some instances, good sense has prevailed with respect to the fact that despite their partisan leanings, some Government workers affiliated to the JLP have acted professionally and placed their partisan affectations on hold.

Given the current dispositions of both PNP president Portia Simpson Miller and JLP leader Andrew Holness in relation to the way forward, it behoves both of them to explore this vexing issue and set about to establish the correct protocol with respect to transition in Government. Too often, we hear about files being destroyed or stolen and persons connected to the outgoing Government are left on tenterhooks while others remain defiant even in defeat.

Surely, a new Government should be allowed a clean slate, and part of the established protocol is that persons in sensitive positions should willingly tender their resignations so as to allow for a smooth transition. However, this does not always happen because of the lack of security of tenure. I am therefore urging both leaders to seriously put this on the front burner so that the established protocol can be set up before the next general elections.

Then there is the issue of contracts and sub-contracted work. One of the biggest pork barrel activities in Jamaica for decades has to do with road works. It is the unwritten law that all contracts, sub-contracts and works to be done must be given to supporters of the party in power. Competence, probity and the ability to complete the job on time and in good stead are not necessarily the main criteria.

Intrinsic in all of this are the perennial practice of kickbacks (money under the table) and the funding of political parties. Let’s face it, it is no secret that one of the biggest funders of both the JLP and the PNP, especially at election time, is the contractor that has benefited from tremendous largesse. It’s a quid pro quo situation that is accepted and pursued with much alacrity and no sense of guilt.

A member of parliament has to ensure at all times that his party supporters get most, if not all, of the jobs emanating from Government contracts. If he or she does not follow that rule of engagement, then he or she will fast become unelectable. In this vein, the office of the MP most times becomes an enclave for only party supporters, although this ought not to be so.

It may well be that the MP should have two offices — one for the party and the other existing without any partisan paraphernalia. The latter, I think, should be paid for by the State, with the Jamaican flag in a prominent position and staffed by persons dedicated to serving the entire constituency, not just Comrades or Labourites. Against this background, the issue of campaign financing looms large on the horizon and must be tackled forthwith.

When all is said and done, the politics of exclusion, which includes the business of divide and rule, has helped to underdevelop Jamaica. In the final analysis, we are all Jamaicans and ways must be found to wean partisan supporters off the breast of pork barrel politics.

In this its 75th year of existence, the ruling PNP should lead this charge so as to ensure that Norman Manley’s party fulfils its mission in the truest sense, which will see an alliance of all classes and a united nation committed to tolerance, accountability, performance and integrity. Here’s to the politics of inclusion!

Lloyd B Smith is a member of parliament and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the People’s National Party or the Government of Jamaica.

lloydbsmith@hotmail.com