Alfred Dawes | George Wright – the hero we deserve

It is my hope that George Wright intends to serve the next four years as member of parliament. In doing so, he will be doing far more for our democracy than any other first-time representative in our history. I do not for one minute support Mr Wright. I just don’t want him to resign. Let me explain.

Mr Wright has not confirmed or denied the serious allegations that he was the man caught on camera viciously beating a female. Both Mr Wright and his consort made police reports on the same day the incident occurred. As the police have closed the case, we will never know what happened. In that closed case is Schrodinger’s wildcat, and we have to live with our uncertainties.

It is alleged that stemming from the controversy surrounding the incident, Mr Wright was pressured by his party to resign. The Opposition has since taken serious issue with him sitting on their benches. Civil society groups have called for his resignation. Ordinary Jamaicans have voiced displeasure at his continued presence in Gordon House. It is evident that the majority do not want Mr Wright around. Yet this majority, living in a viable democracy, has to accept the stubborn refusal of Mr Wright to go. This worthlessness of universal adult suffrage stems from our inability to recall elected representatives before their term expires.

It was this impotence of the power of the people that prompted former Prime Minister Bruce Golding to table a bill that would enable the removal of political representatives found wanting. As with any proposition that would limit the powers of the political class, shortly thereafter, it was shelved. We still have no means of removing from office any parliamentarian with histories that would render them ineligible for service even on the board of a charity. Many continue to serve with the stench of impropriety and corruption surrounding them.

We claim we want change. To end the corruption of our democracy by shadowy kingmakers. To restore political power to the masses. To hold our leaders accountable and demand that they remain true to their oaths of office. If we had a national hero in the making, that is what we would require of them. If we had magical wishes, we would solve these problems in an instant.

TWISTED SAGA

“The Monkey’s Paw” is a short story about a cursed curio that grants wishes – but in a dark way. When an old couple wished for £200, the sum came to them as a form of compensation for the tragic death of their only son. In the same manner, our wish for a stronger democracy with the passing of a law to recall members of parliament may just come through because of the twisted saga of George Wright. The impeachment bill has been resurrected even if it falls short of the ideal. The idea is finally taking root that MPs cannot be untouchable.

If the monkey’s paw does not grant this wish, it is testimony to the fact that our legislators are wedded to preserving the status quo. Instead of forcing him out of the political party, or arguing about where he should sit, expediting and strengthening the impeachment bill would solve their problem with Mr Wright once and for all. However, to do so would result in the ability of the people to terminate their contract with MPs found wanting before their term is up. It would assist in the transfer power from the political class to the masses, where it rightfully belongs. Do they want that?

Preserving their power trumps everything. This newspaper staged a countdown to when George Wright would retake his seat in Parliament after his leave of absence. A more tangible record would be the number of days it takes our legislators to pass a single law that would help to rid the House of incorrigible members. Just one law to hold politicians accountable when they abuse their positions for the enrichment of themselves and their friends or engage in activities unbecoming of a member of the honourable House.

LITTLE REGARD

Every day that Mr Wright remains in Gordon House is another day we are reminded of what little regard our leaders have for us. That is his greatest contribution to our nation. This is why I support him serving until the path is created, for him and any other politician we want out of our lives, to go before their term is up. Whenever his name is mentioned or his mug appears in our media, I want us to remember that we are only insignificant peasants to be appeased come election time.

It is my hope that it festers to the point of us demanding real change. Where we take back the political power we won in 1962. We surrendered that power. Sold our birthright for trinkets.

They keep us subservient with bread and circuses while they and their cronies plunder the dream of what can be a great nation. We allow it because we are blinded by political blinkers.

We do not deserve a knight in shining armour to save us. We have not earned that fate. Nonetheless, in the contorted manner of the wishes of the monkey’s paw, Mr Wright may just bring about the change we so desperately long for. In this twisted way, George Wright is not the hero we desire, but shamefully, the one we deserve.

- Alfred Dawes is a general, laparoscopic, and weight-loss surgeon; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons; former senior medical officer of the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital; former president of Jamaica Medical Doctors Association. @dr_aldawes. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and adawes@ilapmedical.com.