Basil Jarrett | Stay the course, history will absolve you

The considerable debate around Wayne Marshall’s recent Order of Distinction Award last National Heroes Day has reopened the conversation on who or what is a modern-day hero. It’s almost as controversial as when Barbados named Rihanna a national hero in 2021.

And while I’m still waiting to make it rain in a Bajan nightclub with $100 bills bearing her likeness, I find myself still asking the same question I asked two years ago: “What does it really take to make a hero these days?” And yes, I am quite aware that an OD and national hero are quite different and several thousand poles apart. But the question still stands. In modern-day Jamaica where there is no slavery, no plantation and no colonial oppressor, where can our heroes find a cause?

WE DO NEED ANOTHER HERO

During the pandemic, I wrote in these very same pages that “We may no longer have slavery or the civil rights movement or national independence to march for or die for, but surely there are urgent, modern-day social ills to be opposed and rallied against. Criminality, lawlessness, corruption, abuse of power, an unfair justice system, unequal access to healthcare, child neglect, classism, social prejudice and bad mind still abound, but where are the bulwarks that are willing to sacrifice personal and material gain in pursuit of the greater good? Where among us are those Jamaicans who are demonstrating real physical and moral courage, standing up against insurmountable odds, speaking truth to power, and like Bogle, Sharpe and Gordon, willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the good of our nation?”

EVERYDAY HEROES

Two years later, I’m still searching for answers. The prime minister did offer a few examples last week in his 2023 Heroes Day message, citing the many families who work together and raise their children with love, respect, and positive values, community members who look out for their neighbours and assist the senior citizens in their communities, and security personnel who put themselves in harm’s way to ensure our safety.

He also singled out single mothers and fathers who work tirelessly to provide for their children, teachers who go the extra mile to inspire young minds, and healthcare workers who care for the ill, among others. There’s not much I could add to the PM’s extensive list, and I salute each and every one of those richly deserving individuals.

But there’s one group that the PM mentioned that resonates deeply with me – those persons who refuse to give refuge to criminals and provide vital information that helps to apprehend them. In a context where so much of the crime and corruption that saddles this country goes unreported, this group and this message are particularly relevant. And as I contemplate the myriad of reasons why so many of us still refuse to take a principled and actionable stand against lawbreakers, dishonest and corrupt public officials and other criminal elements, I find myself bemoaning our seeming lack of courage and determination to fight for the ideals of a better Jamaica.

REAL COURAGE

With our rich history and vibrant culture, why does standing up against injustice, corruption and dishonesty seem so difficult for so many of us? Why do we find it so easy to stay quiet when integrity, accountability and principle are increasingly absent from our society?

The encouraging truth though, is that we are witnessing some real acts of courage from regular folks out there – you know, the ones who don’t pop up on that podium each Heroes Day. They are the witnesses, the tipsters, the whistleblowers, the informants, and the confidential sources who are making use of the available channels to expose crimes and the criminals who commit them.

NOT FOR THE MONEY

According to the National Crime Prevention Fund, operators of Crime Stop Jamaica, we are seeing record numbers of reports being made to the Crime Stop Tip Hotline in recent times. It is heartening that more and more people are stepping up with both moral and physical courage, often showing scant interest in the rewards on offer for their information. Like most of us, they are simply sick and tired of our never-ending struggle with crime, corruption and our other national maladies. They genuinely want a better Jamaica for themselves and their children and are not afraid to take action to get it.

Those folks who are making those calls to the tip hotlines, sending texts, voice notes, and videos to Crime Stop, the MOCA Anti-Corruption Tip Line, Police 311 and the numerous other whistleblowing mechanisms out there, should be an inspiration to all of us. Their bravery, integrity and resolve deserve recognition, applause and certainly an awards ceremony.

But until then, I implore all honest, law-abiding and well-thinking Jamaicans to be inspired by their courage and to take similar action. Yes, lesser mortals may discourage you, brand you an outcast, and evict you from their company. But stay the course. History has a way of absolving the righteous among us.

Major Basil Jarrett is a Communications Strategist and CEO of Artemis Consulting. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram, Threads @IamBasilJarrett and linkedin.com/in/basiljarrett. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com