AT a time when Jamaica’s macroeconomic indicators — such as its all-time low unemployment index, declining murder rate, and improved fiscal stability — suggest growth, Reverend Al Miller is painting a stark contradiction that “Jamaica still has not yet won”.

The prominent clergyman, who is also the founder of Jamaica First Movement (JFM), a new “political vehicle” advocating a one-term Government of National Unity, is asserting that unity will “be the vehicle of necessary change”.

Miller, who has his sights set on being a candidate in the next general election, which is expected in a matter of weeks, has argued that Jamaica is in need of a drastic solution.

Acknowledging the progress that the country and its leaders have made while speaking to the Jamaica Observer last Thursday, he said he does not believe enough has been done to benefit all Jamaicans.

To the reverend, a winning Jamaica does not only represent growth in the economy but also in societal values, morals and instances in which opportunity is accessible to all citizens.

“We must create a society where the opportunity is available to all equally, and it is your choice that determines your success or failure and [you’re] not being hindered by a system that ensures you cannot succeed here, unless somebody gives you a bly.

“We want to see that new Jamaica that has that kind of environment. So our national goal is to make every citizen a first-class citizen, every citizen a producer, national contributor, and every citizen a peacemaker. That was the three pillars that we had established,” Miller told the Sunday Observer.

He also highlighted what he said was a prevailing “trickle-down” mindset, in which those at the top of the social hierarchy remain affluent and have great access to resources, while those at the lower end are often neglected.

According to the clergyman-turned-political aspirant, JFM was created with the goal of closing the widening gap between social classes and making Jamaica the home of opportunity.

“Even though the macroeconomics is moving and we rejoice — all of us want that — it is still not shifting the fundamental issue of wealth in the hands of a few to become the wealth of a people. The system has not been able to find that, because of a mindset and thinking that exists.

“All we need is the kind of thinking that is committed to a new culture, to a new way, a better way — a way of truth and justice and transparency and honesty — and with that, then we have the right mix,” Miller insisted.

He argued that Jamaica’s full potential will never be actualised as long as our politics continues to exist in division and discord. According to Miller, unifying under JFM is the radical move necessary to put the country on track to finally triumph.

“Between each party, we are so divided, and so even though a party may score goals for their team, Jamaicans are not winning. It is time to make Jamaica win, and I think we have matured as a society and enough time has elapsed that we should be trying to bridge the gap.

“I know it’s not easy, because the divisions are so strong, but as we say, somebody has to play the mediating role, providing that they are willing to come together. But we can’t give up because the challenges are there, we’ve got to fight for this country because our future, all of us, depend on it,” he said.

Miller stated that while he understood that the task ahead will be daunting, his proposed strategy to overcome “the impossible” is to target the 70 per cent of the population that has been choosing not to engage in the voting process.

He told the Sunday Observer that their inactivity is a sign of exhaustion with the current political state of Jamaica, and a great indication of their desire for change.

“We have been going down the slide for years, but each year, rather than getting better, we’re deteriorating. So this time, let’s give it another shot, because a lot has changed. We have a whole new generation who think differently; they are hungering for more — 70 per cent have disengaged from the process. So this time and season, if we can pull together what is right, then that will give real hope and restore trust,” said Miller.

The JFM founder is proposing a five-year administration — just a singular term — to gather a team from the existing political parties, church leaders, and civil servants to create a unified and revolutionised political atmosphere that will allow Jamaica to win, for real.

A release announcing the launch of JFM two weeks ago said the movement has secured initial seed capital and is now calling for support from “patriotic Jamaicans”, including a call for individuals to take a leave of absence from their current political parties, businesses, or civil society roles to serve the nation for the five-year period.

“What we want for this country, for this five-year term, is the best hearts and minds… and give everyone who is patriotic, committed to Jamaica, hungry for change, a chance to step forward.

“You don’t have to sacrifice the people on the altar of your personal progress or party progress. Serve people with excellence that will lift up everybody and put everybody on top. We should not have winners and losers — make every Jamaican citizen a winner,” Miller said.

The release also said JFM has a workable vision and governance framework structured for integrity and transparency, a detailed transformation plan for all sectors, and a strategy to propel Jamaica towards First-World status in the five years.

“My role is to lead a panel of able men and women who will coach this team of patriots to make Jamaica win,” Miller said in the release.