'Sake ah Dudus'

Because Jamaicans are extremely politically polarised, because so many from all classes depend (directly or indirectly) on politics for their daily bread, because many scrutinise articles such as this with the precision of an electron scanning microscope and yet leap to astounding conclusions - I need to preface this piece by making it clear that I have never met or exchanged thoughts with Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. I also categorically state that I am not a political creature; my sole concern is for the future of this country.

During last year's poorly handled Dudus extradition matter, Jamaica experienced a mini-revolt and social upheaval. Almost 80 lives were lost; people went missing; school, commerce and production were suspended; atrocities were committed; innumerable adults and children were psychologically scarred forever; civil freedoms were necessarily suspended; and billions of precious dollars went down the drain. The prime minister openly placed his political career on the line and jeopardised relations with Washington. Hurried, fervent, top-secret meetings were carried out and Jamaica's name was besmirched internationally.

Full blame on coke

Back then, and even now - seven months since Coke's arrest and extradition - people still harp on the entire sordid, embarrassing affair, their personal distresses and losses by blaming everything on Dudus. "Sake ah Dudus, mi medicine run out pon mi." "Sake ah Dudus, mi couldn't sell anything." "Sake ah Dudus, mi couldn't go ah wuk an' haffi stay home." "Sake ah Dudus, so much people dead." "Sake ah Dudus, dem lock off mi light." "Sake ah Dudus, mi food finish". "Sake ah Dudus, Jamaica name gaan abroad." "Sake ah Dudus, wi country shame." Sake ah Dudus this and sake ah Dudus that.

However, it is unfair to blame everything on Dudus. He represents the embodiment of our brand of politics - a brand that continues to serve several politicians so well that they form symbiotic relationships with 'benefactors' and then deflect the true cause of our social ills on to area leaders and dons, while attempting to exude an immaculate image. As long as our poor are kept subservient, ignorant, wanting and used to generate votes - area leaders, gangs, dons and mega-dons (like Dudus is alleged to be) will emerge to fulfil the needs of their communities.

Dons come in handy

Case in point: When Mr X left his licensed firearm locked in his vehicle while exercising nearby, someone broke into it and stole his pistol. Mr X realised that he would be charged for his lapse in judgement and lose his privilege to own and carry a firearm. So, he sought out the local don and petitioned his help. The gun was returned the next day. Major crimes, minor crimes, interpersonal disagreements, family squabbles, jobs, housing, food, pocket money, education and security all fall under the purview of the don. Our security forces, members of parliament, mayors, prime minister and governor general (combined) neither dispense such benevolence nor wield such power.

Interestingly, as one honest interviewee candidly confessed on air at the peak of the Dudus debacle, "Him do nuff good, but likkle bad also gwaan." Consequently, we hear of legitimate and 'unorthodox' ways by which dons - the progeny of our politics - raise revenue to support their people. Naturally, since power corrupts, we also hear whispers of wrongs committed and see evidence of them in the news.

And so, I observe the Dudus-Manatt enquiry with only a passing interest because, although there was an abuse of our trust, an attack on our morals and an assault on our intelligence, apparently no crimes were committed.Even more germane is my concern that this is just another very expensive enquiry that will ultimately change nothing - as usual.

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