Now, this is how a politician should talk!
It would be seriously remiss of us and — the more we think of it — journalistic malpractice, if we did not acknowledge the politically unusual stance taken by Justice Minister Mr Delroy Chuck on the recent demands for another traffic ticket amnesty.
Minister Chuck was speaking our language last week when he left no doubt that the Administration would not be bowing to the outlandish demands by lawless taxi drivers for more time to pay off the mountain of traffic tickets they have accumulated by ignoring the rules of the road.
“There are over 2,000 drivers with 100 tickets, nearly 500 with 500 tickets, and these are the people who say they need time to pay. The audacity of persons who have violated the road code to come and say, ‘We want an amnesty,’ ” Mr Chuck declared at a meeting of justices of the peace in Ocho Rios, St Ann.
“The rudeness to demand of Government to give them a plan and time. This Government will not back down, and every single violator must know that there will be consequences,” including the non-renewal of their licences and the issuing of warrants against them, he said.
What excites us about the minister’s forthright stance and plain talking is the fact that it’s in large measure a departure from how politicians, especially those who only have their eyes fixed on the next election, deal with matters like these.
The wanton breaching of the laws meant to hold our society together has been aided and abetted by politicians who frequently turn a blind eye when the unruly rabble takes over, or even support them in the hope of securing their votes.
Ignoring the adage, “A stitch in time saves nine,” these politicos, whose motivation was never about building an orderly, disciplined Jamaica, sit by and watch as people erect unsightly shacks just about anywhere, including on sidewalks; park vehicles in no parking zones; turn up their sound systems in the dead of night; play their lewd music on public transportation; and multiple other daily infractions.
Our leaders must do as Mr Chuck has done, make it plain that this uncouth behaviour will not be tolerated. Truth be told, we had half expected the Government to cave in to these taxi drivers who went as far as to go on strike to force the Administration’s hand, because that has been the experience.
But we are also pleased that Mr Chuck has given the traffic ticket holders a way out of their dilemma, announcing that he had given the green light for the extension of court hours so that offenders may deal with what is now strictly a legal matter.
“The chief justice has asked for help and we have given him permission to have night court and courts on a Saturday because the payments must be made,” said Mr Chuck. All unpaid traffic tickets accumulated over the last 10 years will be posted on the justice ministry’s website so motorists will have the information needed to pay their fines.
This is a great example of how a government minister must deal with the intransigents. “This is a matter for the court, not for the prime minister or the Government. If you fail to pay your tickets in 21 days it is a matter for the court. You want a payment plan? Go and talk to the judge,” Minister Chuck insisted.
Now, this is plain talking. Kudos to Mr Chuck.