The travels of a prime minister

By Devon Dick

The travels of Prime Minister (PM) Portia Simpson Miller have been a matter of public comment. She has responded that Jamaica got $1b as grant from one of her travels to China.

It is important that there are economic benefits from particular travels. However, it would be a mistake on the part of Jamaica to allow the PM to travel only when there are material benefits to be derived. It would give the impression that Jamaicans are materialistic and only the material matters. It feeds into the stereotype of Jamaicans as always seeking to gain economic benefits from other countries. It makes us appear as mendicants; therefore immigration officers of other countries view us with suspicion because we are known for grabbing and not known for an 'it is better to give than to receive' philosophy.

There is also a role for networking through travels to gain a seat in an international body. There should be allowance for cultural exchanges and visits for celebrations as well as in times of crisis.

In 2012, we invited Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa, to our 50th anniversary celebrations and should our Prime Minister be so invited by another country, we should perceive it as an honour. The PM's travels can also enhance our image and raise our profile and in some instances, create a greater awareness of our existence. It is a mistake to believe that Jamaica, as a nation, is known in every nook and cranny of the world.

Our Prime Minister should attend the funeral of Nelson Mandela of South Africa. It would have been appropriate for a Jamaican to give a speech or perform a song based on the pioneering role Jamaica played in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. It is hoped that the Government had extended to former prime ministers Edward Seaga, PJ Patterson and Andrew Holness an invitation to be part of Jamaica's delegation to the funeral, similar to what Barack Obama, president of the United States, did to former presidents.

This does not mean we cannot ask questions. For example, the Office of the Prime Minister told us that Jamaica-born Carl Masters, ambassador-at-large to Africa, was a member of the delegation to Mandela's funeral. It would be useful for the rationale to be given. It seems that a similar submission that is made to Cabinet to justify a foreign travel should be provided to the citizenry. In addition, after the overseas trip, a report should be tabled in Parliament about the objectives that were realised and what is the follow-up.

showing respect

If a prime minister does not travel, it might not be a good thing. It could be indicative that we are seen as a pariah in the world community. What we should ensure is that when our prime ministers travel, respect is shown by the welcoming country.

It is not good when a prime minister has to depend on a plane to be sent by a foreign government. The next thing is that we are going to hitch a ride on Air Force One. Neither is it healthy for prime ministers to travel complimentary on private sector airplanes when doing official business. This could be an opening for undue influence on government officials.

In addition, a prime minister should be allowed his or her spouse on these trips as well as an annual overseas vacation. Once a PM is in Jamaica, persons expect work and no rest.

We are barking up the wrong tree with our focus on travels of a prime minister, the cost of which is like 'chicken feed' when compared to the billions of dollars worth of government contracts each year which have the potential likelihood for corruption.

Rev Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew. He is author of 'The Cross and the Machete' and 'Rebellion to Riot'. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.