2011: Declare war against injustice and corruption
Published:Sunday | January 2, 2011 | 12:00 AM
I have spent the last six months in quiet meditation, reflection and analysis. 2010, although a difficult year for us as a nation, saw events that are the best things that could happen for us. Some of the most far-reaching things have occurred; the economy showing good signs, the move to break the back of 'garrisonisation' has begun.
The Honourable Prime Minister is a broken and humbled man - a necessary process to become an effective leader - and a society is maturing in its demand for morality in leadership. With that said, I am more determined than ever to work for the transformation of our nation, with increased aggression in the new year.
2011 has to be a year of commitment to dealing with corruption and injustice. Unless, as a nation, we tackle injustice and demonstrate to the wider society, a new determination to establish justice as a foundation principle on which to build the new Jamaica going forward, we will not be able to deal with the crime and violence and grow the economy. Where injustice and corruption reign, crime and violence thrive, resulting in economic deterioration.
No economy can grow in an atmosphere of mistrust, corruption and injustice. In this type of social environment, only the few 'haves' prosper; the majority of persons will see an increase in poverty and many will resort to ill-means, as they continue to lose confidence in the system.
Matter of priority
In 2011, as a nation, we must choose to fight injustice and corruption as a matter of priority. We must fight it, wherever it rears its ugly head. The Government, private sector, church, civil society, citizens, all must fight it. Let us, in 2011, declare war against injustice and corruption, at all levels, in all spheres.
The current reduction in murder is certainly welcomed and kudos to all who have contributed. The gains, however, will not be maintained, unless corruption and injustice are tackled.
Trust is the most needed ingredient for societies to thrive. The Jamaican society is suffering from a most serious case of deteriorating trust levels, in all quarters of society. Citizens do not trust police, government or business and are fast losing what little trust is left in the church. We are a people who do not trust each other or established institutions, systems or authority. Rebuilding trust is central to all areas of national development. To underestimate its value is to continue to commit national suicide.
Our citizens need persons, systems and institutions they can trust. Residents of inner-city communities need to be able to trust again, to restore their hope and release their potential for fruitfulness and productivity. Without the speedy restoration of trust, we will only be accelerating the process toward increased civil disobedience, violence, anarchy and potential civil war. Let us wake up, smell the coffee, and act differently.
Our present crime-fighting methods and public policy direction are worsening the situation, long term. Too many in leadership are being deceived into thinking otherwise. Fire is not fought with fire but with a greater amount of opposite force, consistently applied.
How do we rebuild trust?
Where knowledge is weak, trust is weak. The knowledge of the truth presented with honesty and sincerity consistently, prepares the way for trust to be restored.
Persons of integrity with deep commitment to justice and proven track record of love for the people and country above self must be found and positioned in key areas.
More and better systems and structures that ensure equity and justice must be put in place and the old ones removed. Current leadership of all sectors, especially political, business and church, must publicly acknowledge that along with their organisation, they have done wrong in the past, ask for forgiveness, and committed to a new paradigm, going forward.
The justice system must be tackled and changed as top priority. The nation's number one problem is one of justice and not crime, as many mistakenly believe.
Agents of the state must be perceived as just, by their actions. For example, the police culture of violence, corruption, lying, abuse and general treatment of disrespect toward citizens, especially the poor, must be changed swiftly. (This will require leadership change with new thinking.)
Treat citizens with respect
Citizens must be treated with respect, as first-class citizens, by all agents of the state, to set an example and give hope.
There must be a willingness to forgive the past and offer our youth a clean slate and opportunity to make a fresh start, in a new paradigm, where vision and expectations are made clear. This must be supported by enforced consequences for violation in the new model.
Trust can always be built or rebuilt, but it requires visionary, inspirational leadership with integrity; leadership that is bold, decisive and fosters a genuine love for people. Our nation needs this kind of leadership now in all areas, but certainly in critical areas of influence. We need leaders now who will do what is right and not what is expedient.
Reverend Al Miller, Pastor, Fellowship Tabernacle