Where is the passion for Ja?

I WAS fast approaching seven years old when Jamaica achieved Independence. I still remember the fervour surrounding the historic event. The air had a fresh, new smell the morning after our flag was raised for the first time. There was passion, pride, hope, expectation; respect for our country, for our people and for our new leaders. We had absolute confidence in those that we put in charge of our fledgling nation as we set out bravely in uncharted waters to write our own history and to discover our own destiny.

We were fortunate because we did not have to fight, shed blood or 'sacrifice' lives for our freedom. By mutual agreement, we transitioned from one government to another with the signing of several documents. It appeared to be almost too easy ... and perhaps it was.

Some superstitions are interesting. It is a well-known Jamaican tradition that, whenever a building is being constructed, the workmen desire the killing of a fowl and sprinkling of its blood when the foundation is being laid. They believe that the sacrifice will prevent a greater loss (of a human life), during the erection process (which always carries varying degrees of risk). Perhaps the ritual imbues the workmen with the confidence needed to carry out their duties safely. Perhaps there is some element of metaphysical truth to the sacrifice; after all ... every major religion, including Christianity, speaks of the requirement of some sort of sacrifice (of time/effort, mundane trappings, animal or perhaps even human life) for redemption. Perhaps we are currently going through our period of sacrifice and bloodshed to purge us and make us stronger.

Was just too easy

Perhaps the ease with which we achieved independence from Great Britain significantly diminished our appreciation of our country, nationhood and citizens. Perhaps if we had to come together to fight a common enemy and spill our blood we would indeed be out of many, one (unified) people. Instead, our young nation is becoming out of many one (supreme faction of) people because political parties, criminal gangs, rapacious local and foreign-based 'businesses', special-interest groups and disenfranchised inner-city communities struggle for social dominance and/or their own brand of 'independence' (from the rest of us).

The brief passion that most had for newly independent Jamaica suffered a near-fatal blow with the advent of the 'me first' and the 'kill dead' mentality. Now, the passion seems to be all about self or about whatever can benefit self. The 'me first' way of thinking is evident in the way political parties vie for power and the way that we treat each other in our day to day interactions (on the roads, in business and in corrupt practices). It is a distinctly selfish attitude that epitomises unfairness.

The 'kill dead' (negative extremism) mentality exists in many spheres of Jamaican life. Criminals exhibit it when they needlessly kill the victims of their robberies and anyone who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is manifest in the cowardly barbaric way that humanoid monstrosities massacre and mutilate their victims and anyone remotely associated with them (genetically, genially or geographically). Businesses exhibit it with their get-rich-quick practices. And, politicians exhibit it when they do whatever it takes to gain and hold on to power.

I yearn for leaders with a passion for the unbridled truth, no matter what it costs them. I crave for leaders with a genuine passion for rooting out criminality and corruption, no matter where it takes them. Our country would benefit immensely if our leaders' passion for Jamaica supersedes their passion for party politics.

Garth A. Rattray is a physician with a family practice. Email feedback to garthrattray@gmail.com.