The angry public

Dennie Quill, Columnist

The pending announcement of collaboration between the fledgling New Nation Coalition (NNC) and the jaded National Democratic Movement (NDM) marks an interesting turn of events.

The NNC was formally launched last August by child advocate and talk-show host Betty Ann Blaine, who said her movement's mission and mandate were "to seek solutions that will better the quality of life of all our citizens, and restore the dignity and respect that is commensurate with our national and international achievements".

I can hear the disdain from some quarters as people recall the promise of "new and different" by Bruce Golding, when he walked away from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to form the NDM. In reviewing the twists and turns of the NDM and its former leader, many have concluded the move had nothing to do with principles but was naked political opportunism. Mr Golding's reputation and credibility suffered hugely when he turned his back on the movement and rejoined the JLP.

A great task ahead

So, NNC convener Betty Ann Blaine and her NDM colleagues have a great task to convert this disdain into applause if they are to make any impact on the electorate and win elections. The JLP and the People's National Party (PNP) have been the major parties fighting for power throughout the years.

Neither the ruling JLP nor the Opposition PNP carry much credibility among potential voters these days. The allegations of corruption and scandals which have dogged both sides cast doubt on their ability to create the kind of society of which our forefathers dreamt.

Improving the lot of our people has been a constant mantra for the nearly 50 years that we have been independent. Yet, our governments have failed to create meaningful jobs, so scores of people have taken to hustling; our governments have failed to educate enough people so Jamaica is now overrun by security guards and messengers; and our governments have not been able to keep us safe from marauding criminals. Our governments have managed to establish a tax system that stifles creativity and suffocates entrepreneurship. All of these failures have led to widespread anger and disenchantment.

Awash with mistrust

When ordinary citizens are caught in illegal acts, they are punished. They don't simply say mea culpa and turn the page, or form a committee or commission of enquiry to find out what exactly went wrong. Politicians have proven, time and again, that they are above the law. They fail to declare their assets without punishment. They breach dual-citizenship rules with minimal consequences. Politicians, it seems, have a higher threshold for what they think is punishable under the law.

Right now, the public mood is unforgiving. The public is angry. The public is full of mistrust. Restoring credibility to the political process is the toughest task facing the NNC/NDM as they seek to chart a new course.

Many people are not impressed with the current offerings and are ready for new ideas. But third parties have failed spectacularly over the years. It seems the system is skewed against third parties.

But if you believe in evolution, as I do, you must believe that we can become better than we are. Good luck, NNC/NDM.

Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and denniequill@hotmail.com.

Right now, the public mood is unforgiving. ... The public is full of mistrust.