Our revolution is coming

Marc Ramsay, Contributor

In 1958, a rhinoceros named Cacareco received 100,000 votes in an election in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His nomination was not accepted by officials, nevertheless the determined voters gave Cacareco more votes than any other political party at the time. The people of Sao Paulo knew that based on the political corruption in government, the rhinoceros was a far better choice than any candidate offering his/her services again.

What Senator Dwight Nelson did at the commission of enquiry last week is nothing new. In fact, the entire 'circus' is a microcosm of the hypocritical political game we have been subjected to over the past few decades. Senator Nelson is simply echoing the contempt with which the people of Jamaica have been treated since Independence.

Politicians have never been called to answer for their wrongs, so they do the same things, knowing that they can say, "I don't recall" until the ninth day when we forget. They who do not recall that their primary duty is to serve the people, on whichever side of the political fence, and not to maintain power. They do not recall that they are not 'gods' among us and that they should step aside where they are unwilling to serve with integrity. They do not recall that the money they handle is not theirs, but ours, to be managed properly and to benefit us entirely. They never feel that to preserve the integrity of government they should resign when faced with allegations of scandal and mismanagement. The JLPNP has been telling us, "We do not recall", since forever.

But we, the citizens of Jamaica, have remembered (since 'remember' means it may have happened). Rather, in the past when the ninth day passed, we simply stopped crying for change. The list of scandals reads like an wild political novel: Green Bay massacre, the civil war of the 1970s, Gang of Five, Zinc scandal, Shell waiver, furniture scandal, NetServ, NHDC/Operation PRIDE, Cuban light bulb, Trafigura, and the current Dudus/Tivoli/Manatt scandal, among many others.

This 'new Government' has reminded us that the JLPNP is one in the same. Both parties only reshuffle their candidates and say what they think they need to say to get power. They have affirmed, once again, why we will not return to the same orange and green vomit we so desperately need to leave behind.

Revolutionary spirit

Critically, we cannot say people in Jamaica do not get involved or do not have a revolutionary spirit. If you find yourself saying that, move in front of a mirror and look at the Jamaican who needs to change that sentiment.

To be fair, there may be a few upstanding politicians in the JLPNP who have steered clear of scandals and have voiced strong opposition to certain dealings within their parties. They may also be fighting a losing battle against political tribalism and a system that encourages handouts and compromise. We encourage them to leave their parties and join the movement for real change.

It is time for each of us to take a stand together. At this time, like in Sao Paulo, Brazil, even a rhinoceros would be a better candidate for government than the JLPNP. Now is the time for young people to research the history of the JLPNP and how they have held our people in bondage. Now is the time for the apathetic middle class who have stopped watching local news because they cannot stand seeing poor people crying 'murder' or 'rape' or 'injustice', to stand up for the good of every Jamaican. Now is the time for people in ghettos and garrisons, whether innocent citizen or gunman, to realise that they can do more than cry injustice time and time again, and that the handouts at election time are not worth casting a vote in favour of the beast.

Now is the time for our musicians to channel their intellect and talent into real change and sing more about not wearing green or orange, but 'beige', and the fact that "something's gonna give". Now is the time for everyone who wanted better, from rich to poor, to recognise that good government equals greater opportunity and greater wealth.

The JLPNP is not the only option. We are the other option. But we are only effective when we actually do something together. If we vote no to the JLPNP, we vote for real change in Jamaica. If we stand together publicly, we send a powerful signal that we will no longer be fooled.

Marc Ramsay is a law student at the Norman Manley Law School, a Christian and an advocate for change and Caribbean integration. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com