When we wish someone a “prosperous new year”, we are wishing them better than they had in the past. We are wishing them progress.

Progress is intertwined with human evolution but was only developed as a concept in the early 19th century.
Wikipedia defines progress as “the set of advancements in technology, science, and social organization — the latter being achieved through direct societal action”.

Assessing Jamaica’s progress, or lack thereof, is best achieved not by over-reliance on quantitative measures such as gross domestic product (GDP) or signs of modernity, including the changing skyline of New Kingston and new highways. One must first understand the purpose for which governments exist, which is primarily to provide opportunities for people to, individually and collectively, pursue and find success and happiness.

What that looks like could vary in the eye of the beholder. But it should at least incorporate some simple scenarios such as a man and his beloved holding hands as they watch the sun dip below the horizon from the relative safety of a secluded beach; a young couple pursuing the attainable goal of owning a home, raising healthy children, and educating them in good schools; and people having the reasonable expectation of living a full, dignified, and prosperous life in a harmonious and inclusive society, then dying in their beds from old age or an incurable disease. Politics aside, I ask the reader: Is Jamaica progressing to your satisfaction?

In his last public address to an annual conference of the People’s National Party (PNP), National Hero Norman Washington Manley left us a yard stick by which to measure the nation’s progress. This is what he said, “I say that the mission of my generation was to win self-government for Jamaica. To win political power, which is the final power of the black masses of my country from which I spring. I am proud to stand here today and say to you who fought that fight with me, say it with gladness and pride, mission accomplished for my generation. And what is the mission of this generation? It is reconstructing the social and economic life of Jamaica.” The verdict is in on whether succeeding governments have achieved this high benchmark against which to measure the nation’s progress, and it is neither comforting nor reassuring.

Michael Manley, son of the late Norman who succeeded him as leader of the PNP and served as Jamaica’s fourth prime minster, understood the mandate and tried, albeit with mixed results, to pursue it. At his 100th centenary celebration, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, who was guest speaker at the event, was eloquent in her recall of the highs and lows, the trials and tribulations, and the legacies of the late former prime minister, Michael.

By their frequent applause, the comrades in attendance chose to listen selectively, missing the main point of the speech. The majority, it seemed, thought it was about the man when, in fact, it was about the party — which is a shadow of its former self, having lost its philosophical mooring and its egalitarianism, when fighting for more equitable and inclusive communities, societies, economies, and nations was part of its DNA — and the country, which has relinquished its leadership regionally and internationally in the pursuit of the still-elusive New International Economic Order (NIEO).

Many Jamaicans, out of frustration with the mealy-mouthed utterances and weak-kneed actions of our political leaders in challenging the status quo, have taken to referring to Mottley as prime minister of the Caribbean. And for good reason.

On the occasion of the Michael Manley Centenary Lecture, she was on home turf, as it were. Carrying a coy smile throughout and revelling in the moment, she skilfully weaved her thoughts around the theme ‘The word is love’, reminding her audience why they came to represent the policy and programmes identified with Michael’s philosophy that saw people, that heard people, that felt people. “Love”, she said, “is fundamentally about resilience and transformation.”

Mottley ended her speech with a timely admonition, “Each generation must make progress. Each generation must carry the baton.”

In his new year’s address to the nation, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his assessment of Jamaica’s progress under his stewardship, gave the assurance that, having heard the people’s cry, this year would be a pivotal chapter in the journey towards a better Jamaica. Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding, in his address, spoke of the need for fresh beginnings and for the country to step boldly into tomorrow with purpose and determination.

Jamaica awaits the fulfilment of this line from the national pledge: “So that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship, and prosperity and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.”

Increasing voter apathy and rumbling among party faithful from both camps are worrying signs that a sizeable portion of the populace is losing faith in the ability of the present political and governance systems and constitutional arrangement to deliver on the promise.

Until we can face the truth and change course, talking about prosperity and progress of the nation just because the year on the calendar has changed is just that, talk, without substance.

Dr Henley Morgan is founder and executive chairman of the Trench Town-based Social Enterprise, Agency for Inner-city Renewal and author of My Trench Town Journey — Lessons in Social Entrepreneurship and Community Transformation for Policy Makers, Development Leaders, and Practitioners.

Michael Manley

Norman Manley

Mia Mottley

Dr Henley Morgan