Dear Editor,

Order can only be maintained when institutions are governed by established rules, laws, policies, and procedures. The ultimate aim of having established processes is to give guidance to the maintenance of order and the good behaviour of constituents. These processes are not defined or attached to personalities, status, or racial class but are targeted towards equity, accountability, and efficiency. Therefore, it is imperative for constituents and institutions in a country to be intimately familiar with the written rules, laws, policies, and procedures for guidance.

Once rules, laws, policies, and procedures are established and clearly defined, personal views, personalities, and ignorance cannot supersede or take precedence over compliance. However, they must be enforced by those who are tasked to lead and manage. Where there is no enforcement, there is room for lawlessness and bad behaviour, and where there is no law or rule, there is no offence.

Jamaica and its institutions are not without laws, rules, policies, and procedures; however, as far as enforcement is concerned, we are lacking. In some instances, familiarity and/or mediocrity has convinced the responsible powers to turn a blind eye or give a “bly”.

Additionally, due to lack of enforcement for many years, bad cultural behaviour has been shaped and if enforcement is introduced, strong resistance will follow as this new order is viewed as a disturbance to constituents’ comfort zone. Nevertheless, the achievement of order must not be derailed as this will enhance bad cultural behaviour and further strengthen the long-term effects which are adversely greater.

The country of Jamaica should not be denied the full potential of growth and development. Those who are so empowered at varying levels to enforce laws or rules governing behaviour ought to be willing to do what is necessary to create order and discipline; our citizens must not be allowed to continue having their way as this is impacting the society at large.

Believe it or not, many constituents are of the opinion that the practice of order in the Jamaican society will deny them of their rights or freedom in a democratic society. Evidently, this is not so as a citizen’s rights at no time conflicts with the general order that is needed in a society. As a matter of fact, where there is no order, corruption escalates.

Sadly, constituents who are bent on having their way — ignoring laws, rules, policies, and procedures — will not readily admit they are corrupt, but will, without hesitation, blast the powers that be with accusations of corruption. Frankly, the act of corruption is not limited to those who are in authority but is applicable to anyone who attempts to “beat” or trick the system, and many Jamaicans are guilty. Nonetheless, they have unfortunately convinced themselves that this behaviour is normal when they are the ones committing the offence and will say, without shame, “A suh di ting set” if an attempt is made to point them in the right direction. These guilty constituents of corruption will boldly proclaim they be left alone to carry on with their disorderly conduct.

To each his own cannot be the order of the day while the growth and development of our country and institutions are delayed. Having a viable economy and doing what is necessary to create sound economic conditions must take precedence. Therefore, the personal thinking, beliefs, and personal interests of citizens cannot be priority at the expense of confidence in the State, its institutions, and its ability to create order. Credibility and integrity in our institutions must also boldly manifest for the Jamaican society to experience order.

Notwithstanding this, Jamaica is blessed to have experienced and talented human capital with great intellect who can assist the necessary change towards order.

So the question is: Are the constituents willing to make the sacrifice by being disciplined? Assuming the answer is yes, the powers that be should move ahead with diligence and integrity to implement the changes needed to create order in Jamaica, land we love.

The Jamaican State, institutions, and constituents have been deprived long enough and there are significant gains fiscally and socially to be derived from having an orderly society.

Intense public engagement and sensitisation will aid in the acceptance of the changes needed. Change will not come overnight, but with strong determination, consistency, and integrity, it can be accomplished.

Shauna-Gaye Brown

shaunagaye4123@gmail