This is the follow-up to ‘A call to action for national transformation’, published in the Jamaica Observer on May 26, 2025.

THE imperative to build a new Jamaica now brings us to the critical consideration of how this transformation will be achieved.

In our previous discourse, we firmly established several foundational truths: firstly, that Jamaica has been on a losing trajectory for far too long. Secondly, to build the new Jamaica, we must possess the unwavering will to put Jamaica first to make Jamaica win. Thirdly, we acknowledged that this monumental task can only be successfully accomplished on a robust platform of unity. And crucially, we underscored that quality coaching is indispensable for any team to achieve victory. We maintain that teams cannot win without effective coaching.

This brings us to our call for a Government of National Unity, operating under the guidance of a panel of elders — respected figures from our nation who would serve as coaches. Their mandate would be to select and guide a willing team comprised of the best hearts and minds available and dedicated to serving our nation. This Government of National Unity would be established for one five-year term, after which it would dissolve. This would allow for continuity within a fresh, new Jamaican environment, characterised by new paradigms and revitalised systems. The primary purpose of this Government would be to create a bridge for the nation — a passage to cross over from the old, failed, and corrupted system that has caused us to consistently lose in so many critical areas: crime, corruption, and a host of other societal ills.

For over four decades, despite the tremendous efforts and often well-meaning intent of some talented individuals serving our nation, we have collectively lost. They were, ultimately, unable to make Jamaica win. Why? Because they were operating within a divided, virus-infected, and inherently corrupt game. The proposed Government of National Unity would introduce a winning formula, complete with an effective coaching panel, reminiscent of the dynamic we witnessed in 1998 with the Reggae Boyz, guided by figures like Carl Brown, Rene Simoes, and myself. We united the nation with the right strategies and the potent motivation required to make Jamaica win.

Therefore, we are now proposing three distinct options designed to put Jamaica first and secure victory for our nation. All three options would be guided by the aforementioned panel of coaches, tasked with selecting the best available team for this crucial undertaking.

Option One: The Voluntary Coalition

This is our preferred option, as it holds the greatest potential to heal the deep divisions of our past. Importantly, it is achievable without engendering major constitutional challenges, provided there is agreement between the principal political parties. Any parliamentary considerations would be worked out appropriately, with all ramifications thoroughly examined.

This would involve a temporary, agreed-upon coalition of the two main parties for the stipulated one five-year term. The coaches would then select the optimal team from all available players — from within and outside the political sphere — to make Jamaica win. We have engaged in dialogue at various levels with many players in both parties. And we recognise that historical factors and the current political climate could present challenges to implementing this option. However, where there is genuine will and a “Jamaica first” mindset, a way can always be found. This is a decision that each party would ultimately have to make.

Option Two: The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

This approach mirrors a common practice in the business world, whereby special purpose vehicles (SPV) are often created to achieve specific, time-bound objectives. We would adopt a similar strategy for this Government of National Unity.

A robust legal framework would be established to ensure the SPV is dissolved at the end of the single five-year term. This SPV would invite existing political players who possess the courage to take a leave of absence from their current party affiliations to serve the greater national cause for one term. Furthermore, new, qualified individuals from broader society would also be invited to join this squad. Indeed, an entire existing party could opt to join the SPV.

It would function as a temporary political entity, akin to what we established 22 years ago when we brought several smaller parties together under the banner of Jamaica Alliance for National Unity (JANU).

This option, admittedly, will require more intensive work from all stakeholders in a relatively short time frame to bring it to fruition. Yet it is by no means impossible. A new Jamaica must be built; therefore, whatever it takes, we, as a people, possess the resilience and the commitment to make it work. As scripture reminds us, there is a greater power with us than is with them. And when God is for us, need I say more?

Option Three: Volitional Coaching

This option entails one of our main political parties indicating that, should it win the next general election, it would be willing to commit its elected squad to the guidance of the team of elders for the one five-year term.

This would be for the express purpose of meeting the goals set forth for the Government of National Unity. While this is not necessarily our most preferred method, the fundamental purpose of unity and focused national development could still be achieved, thereby aiding the overall process.

Here are seven key goals to be achieved by the Government of National Unity:

1) Heal the wounds of our divided past

2) Dismantle garrisons and unite the nation

3) Place equal rights and justice for all at the forefront

4) Elevate Jamaica to First-World status with first-class treatment for all our citizens. Is it not time?

5) Strengthen family, education, and employment options as the foundational pillars for prosperity

6) Establish new moral foundations and new governmental paradigms

7) Cultivate a new, constructive political culture.

With this framework in mind, I appeal to the citizens of this beloved country to share your ideas with us. You possess a wealth of invaluable expertise on various aspects of national life that can contribute to a transformed, better Jamaica. All credible ideas will be rigorously examined for their transformational value. We ask you to send us an e-mail at JamaicaFirstFoundation@gmail.com.

In five years, we can turn this nation around. We can re-lay the foundations for a new Jamaica. Let’s commit to work diligently to make it happen. We can do it if we put our hearts and minds to it. Let us find the answers. And let’s do it now.

We look forward to hearing from you as, together, we make Jamaica win.

Reverend Dr Al Miller is the founder of Whole Life Ministries and senior pastor and apostolic voice of Fellowship Tabernacle Ministries.

Al Miller