Dear Editor,

The vast majority of Jamaicans are taught from birth that politics is inherently bad and should be avoided. It is my humble opinion that years of a lack of accountability has reinforced this notion, to the point where political apathy has become part of our Jamaican culture.

With this perception now embedded in our psyche, one has to wonder if we will be able to recognize a change towards better politics, and by extension better governance.

My personal hopes of seeing better governance in Jamaica’s near future heightened while listening to the Governor General’s throne speech. The speech, which signals the Government’s agenda, listed bold legislation such as fixed election dates and term limit for prime ministers as well as legislation to provide for impeachment proceedings to be brought against corrupt public officials and parliamentarians.

This bold prioritizing of accountability sends a clear signal that Jamaica’s interests are being put before personal interests, as the newly-formed government essentially transfers power from itself to the hands of the people.

If the bills are successfully passed in Parliament and enforced without prejudice they will undoubtedly result in better governance and more attractive politics. Let us not allow cynicisms which are rooted in actions of the past to prevent us from recognizing a possible turning point in Jamaica’s political history.

I am hopeful.

Stephen Edwards