Jamaica - Fifty-one, looking forward

Ronald Mason, Contributor

WE HAVE spent the last 51 years as an independent nation doing the same things, the same way with very limited positive results. Our potential is often identified, but very rarely realised.

Jamaica must have a coalition government to drive the achievement of national objectives. The single most prominent by-product of our Independence period has been, and continues to be, debilitating tribalism.

This tribalism has been cultivated and nurtured to the extent it now permeates all sectors of society. You may start with the bars on the corner, or the law firms. The unions and the public sector, the security forces and the education system all bear the scars of tribalism. Enough. Jamaica deserves leadership and achievement. We are now demanding transparency and accountability. Time for the circus to leave town.

Their are persons of competence, personal integrity and an enviable record of achievement. I am bold enough to suggest that our country needs and demands that it be rescued from incompetence, corruption and the divisions that have been foisted on us. The coalition would still recognise political parties, as reflected in our constitution, but they must be funnelled into constituency services, legislative oversight and budgetary approval. Every politician in Jamaica bleats about the reason for entering politics. Let us give them the opportunity to serve the people, just do it for all the people. Not your green or orange tribe.

Humble outline

Here is my humble outline as to how we could arrive at the coalition. The parties - and currently we can accommodate multiple parties, not just two - contest all 63 constituencies, the winner who commands the majority allegiance of those 63 elected persons would ascend to the office of the prime minister. They would chair and lead the Cabinet of technocrats. The party leader would have as deputy prime minister and senior adviser the leader of the opposition; the matter of choice as to who would become deputy prime minister would be restricted.

This would be the first step in limiting the stupid political games and eliminating tribalism. This way we would remove the possibility of a newly elected prime minister selecting a mealy-mouthed backbench opposition member to be deputy prime minister. All legislation would be offered by members of the parliament, the Cabinet and civil society, who would secure the services of a member of parliament to introduce and pilot their special-interest legislation. This is not new. All religious organisations in Jamaica now achieve legislative sanction through this method.

In addition, the Cabinet offices which form the ministries would introduce their legislation through parliamentary committees. If the legislation cannot be passed by the parliamentary committee with a favourable recommendation, then it never makes it to final action.

It is in this vein that I offer the following persons for consideration, as a structure of governance, where I mention by name, individuals. I do so of my own knowledge, perception and regard for the competencies and integrity of these persons. I have not sought their approval, and should I cause them unexpected adulation, I pray forgiveness. Some of these persons I have had the privilege of meeting, others come by reputation.

• The Minister of Finance and Economic Development - Ms Minna Israel - local and international experience at the helm of financial institutions in whom we as a nation has demonstrated confidence. This position would require a constitutional amendment, as I hope she would not be a member of parliament. The Constitution now requires the finance minister to be an elected member of the House of Representatives.
• Minister of Education, Culture and Youth - Mr Robert Lalah - literate, communicative, very well exposed and familiar with the culture and daily lives of our people. Leadership experience that would suggest ability to conceptualise, motivate and implement. A member of the post-Independence generation.
• Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Development - Dr Carol Archer - though politically leaning, brings additional experiences in the academic and corporate world and subject matter qualifications and experience.
• Minister of Health and Well-Being - Dr Terrence Forrester - local and international experience and quantifiable achievement. A thinker, well suited to the welfare and wellness of our people from infancy to adulthood.
• Minister of Justice, Security and Attorney General - Mr Ransford Braham - qualified, competent, even - tempered and a person of deep conviction.
• Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce - Omar Azan - has been in the industrial world, displaying tenacity and leadership, recognised by his peers and acceptable to this country.
• Minister of Productivity, Labour Relations and Human Resources - Dr Rosalea Hamilton - competent and hardworking without a history of tribalism, though expressing political sentiments.
• Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade - Dr Steven Vasciannie - internationally recognised, competent and experienced. A background of conviction and grounded in strong nationalism.
• Minister of Science, Technology, Mining and Agriculture- Dr Parris Lyew Ayee - a bright, cutting-edge forward-thinking nationalist with a reputation for getting things done.
• Minister of Tourism - Ms Diana McIntyre-Pike - on the ground, doer, capable of refocusing tourism for the benefit of us all.

There are current ministries and portfolios not specifically mentioned which would be divisions within the 10 listed. Each Cabinet minister should be entitled to two assistants of their choice.

Time is NOT on our side now. We need to move with alacrity. We are 51. What are your thoughts?

Ronald Mason is US Immigration attorney/mediator/talk show host. Send feedback to nationsagenda@gmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com