My Island home is currently at a standstill because of the actions of the Prime Minister and other members of the present government.
The issue at hand is a manifestation of the deep cynical approach to politics and the lack of transparency that has festered for years in Jamaica. The rise of “area Dons” is matter of fact in what is described as “garrison constituencies”.
As a Jamaican living in the Diaspora and now in leadership role, I too was impressed by PM Golding’s pronouncements upon his election from speeches and during his first visit as Prime Minister in the New York area. Meeting several of his assembled team (cabinet) my hope for a new and constructive path for Jamaica became more hopeful.
I will not attempt to debate the issues surrounding the present crisis we now find our self in, as I have seen numerous points that I agree and disagree with.
This statement is to suggest a way forward for the land of my birth.
During the election of 2007 with the uncertainty surrounding the results I wrote a letter to the editor of the Observer suggesting a coalition government, but this was ignored as a definitive result was received.
I would like to suggest that with the current crisis and the overwhelming attitude of distrust towards our present political leadership that serious consideration must be given to the formation immediately of a “Unity Government”
(1) Governor General should convene a meeting with present party hierarchy to create this.
(2) The government should be mandated to “run” Jamaica for the next three years.
(3) The two major political parties should assign a PM & Deputy to alternate after an eighteen month period.
(4) Said government’s focus should be on, Economic Recovery; Crime and constitutional reform.
(5) As a way of severing all political ties to “garrison style” politics a “Truth & Reconciliation” Commission under former UN Secretary General Kofi Anan or someone of that caliber be held.
(6) Present MP will then be directed by the Unity Administration to carry out its mandates.
(7) I would suggest also that for example the Economic recovery team be chaired by a PSOJ/JEA representative. The Crime Team jointly by JDF/JCF leadership and the Constitutional reform by David Coore and Edward Seaga.
Each of these committees should have equal representatives of the present political parties, church and workers’ unions.
A part of the MPs mandate would be to hold meetings (grass root) in their constituencies and report to Parliament monthly.
We have to find the will and a way to chart a new course for what to me is “Garden of Eden”, and so doing getting rid of the serpents that has permeated the “garden”.
PM Golding indeed has wronged the nation and while he should step aside for the good of the nation, let us not forget that he is a brother who have possibly sinned and fall short of the glory, but in true Christian principles we must together lift him and his family in prayers and hold no grudge, but forgive him.
-- Patrick A Beckford, US NE Diaspora Advisory Board Member
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