The prime minister: a family man

Esther Tyson, Contributor

Within the last five years, Jamaica has had three new prime ministers. With each inauguration comes a sense of expectancy and renewed hope among the Jamaican people that the new leader will make a difference in the political culture and the economics of this nation.

Portia Simpson Miller had an appeal to the grass roots of the nation and she has the distinct historic position of being Jamaica's first female prime minister. Bruce Golding transitioned from the National Democratic Movement (NDM) to the Jamaica Labour Party and became the party leader. There was hope that with his ascension to the post of premiership, he would bring with him the fresh ideas that he had espoused in the NDM.

Now Andrew Holness has succeeded Mr Golding as the youngest prime minister in Jamaica's history. He is a post- Independence baby, coming to the post with energy, focus and passion. Jamaica hopes that he will be a new type of leader, the one that will be courageous to make bold decisions that will move us forward economically, politically and socially. There is one fresh image that the new prime minister has introduced to the steps of King's House and Jamaica that I will focus on. That is the image of a family man, a man who seems to love his wife and children.

This image of a prime minister, comfortably holding his wife's hands, being affectionate to her in public, showing care for his sons, is unusual in Jamaica. It is an image that we urgently need to see depicted before our eyes. It is an image I hope will prove to be more than a symbol but will also be shown to be the reality. It seems to be a matter of course to hear various anecdotes and rumours about our leaders' dalliances with women other than their wives. This culture of unfaithfulness has permeated every level of our society. This has resulted in general cynicism about marriage and family in our nation. This culture needs to change. The change needs to begin at the top level of our nation.

A strong family structure results in a strong nation. Persons raised in a stable family structure are likely to be productive citizens. They are usually taught good work ethics, to have ambition, to value life and to exhibit the common courtesies that create a civil society. Many of our people, especially the young, are lacking these values. The schools alone cannot effect the change in the churlish, boorish behaviour that has become a norm in our society. It must begin in the home.

Our people are excellent imitators. They have aped the bleaching of our entertainers, the fashion statement of the popular artistes and the destructive values of the dons and artistes. We need to change this. We, therefore, need a leader who can be an example to our fathers as a family man. We need a leader who is monogamous and who will love his wife. We need a leader who can counteract the negative male image that has been perpetrated by the popular dancehall and don culture.

opportunity to be a positive role model

With all the hype surrounding the youth of the prime minister, he has the opportunity to create this alternative image. He has the opportunity to be a positive role model for the fathers and young men of our nation.

During his inauguration speech, Mr Holness made reference to the importance of fathers taking care of their children. He appealed for a change in how men looked after their families. I have not heard this included in any such speeches before, and I take this reference to the family to be an indication that our prime minister sees the family and its role in the nation as being of great importance.

As the minister of education, he would have been exposed to the condition of our youth in Jamaica. Persons who work in the sector can attest to the fact that many of the students who are focused, well rounded and are academically successful are normally from strong families. Within these families, they are given the necessary support so that they can achieve. They are supported emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. Even when there are challenges financially, once there are the other elements of support, the students are able to be successful.

For us, as a nation, to ignore the reality of the impact of the quality of family life on the development of our young people and indirectly on our workforce is to be hiding our heads in the proverbial sand. The fact that over the years schools have to be employing more and more staff to deal with the psychological trauma that many of our children face, not only in their communities but also in their homes, reflects the increasing disintegration of Jamaican family life.

Therefore, the new, young, fresh prince of Jamaica House carries with him this responsibility: to enable the Jamaican people to see a leader who understands the value of a strong family and who will show them by example how such a family operates. I believe this aspect of the new prime minister's life should be highlighted. I hope it will not prove to be a sham, but a reality.

If we do not change the culture of irresponsible parenting that is so common, we are going to be in an even worse state than that in which we currently find ourselves. What the Zambian proverb says is very true, 'The trees that are growing are tomorrow's forest.' (Lifelines: The Black Book of Proverbs) What type of forest are we preparing?

I congratulate the Honourable Andrew Holness on his becoming Jamaica's ninth prime minister and I pray for him the courage of David, the wisdom of Solomon, and the spirit of Moses.

Esther Tyson is an educator. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.