Andrew has to walk a different path

Steve Lyston, Contributor

AS JAMAICA'S new Prime Minister Andrew Holness ascends into position at the dawn of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence, the nation is now in one of the most critical periods of its history.

The rapid shifting and shaking taking place globally calls for more than a heavy focus on the age or education accomplishments of the leader. Instead, it requires divine wisdom and intervention from God to steer the nation ahead. Most of our past political leaders were brilliant, and many had good intentions, yet the country has seen very difficult times.

A good cricketer must know when the wicket has changed. The current wicket or pitch is not for batsmen, but for fast bowlers. In such an instance, batsmen will have to bat with caution, because it is a bowler-friendly pitch. One mistake, and the middle stump is gone!

Prime Minister Holness has serious, critical issues that he will have to deal with. And while running a country is no game, the principles stand true. This is a Test match, not a Twenty20; one mistake can bring the entire country in chaos.

The first thing Holness has to do is seek divine wisdom from God (II Chronicles 1) to build and to lead.

The next thing is that he has to walk a different path. He cannot walk the path of his predecessors. He cannot lead also on the existing foundation. He has to be willing to do what no other has ever done to be successful. Holness has to confront and deal with some giants within his own party first. That will be his biggest test. He has to seek divine guidance to appoint who will become a part of his team. So he has to bat very slowly, stay in his crease and look out for 12-man fielder in the pavilion.

The prime minister has to seek God for the right timing to call the general election.

The wrong timing can result in:

Disaster and chaos;

Greater hardship on the nation;

Investors pulling away from the nation, further damaging the image of the nation;

Further damage to the economy;

Further division in the political climate;

Increase in crime and violence.

The prime minister has to seek representatives from all sectors. He will need to outline the details of the present International Monetary Fund negotiation and ensure that the criteria involved will not bring further hardship on family values and the poor. The loan itself must be used to bring about an increase in productivity, job creation, the retooling and restructuring of existing systems of fundamental organisations, and helping small businesses for expansion and sustained development.

Three days of fasting

The prime minister needs to call the nation to three days of fasting. No political leader or party has ever had the courage to do this. God cannot bless a mess. The cycle and the curse must be broken. This must be done, even if there is strong opposition and many do not participate. If we do not do this, poverty, shame, more negative exposure, further decline in the economy, and continued instability in the political arena will result.

If the prime minister does this, we will see an economy-friendly playing field. We would see growth, new ideas and new businesses. We would even have new discovery. We would see the pitch turned back to a batsman-friendly pitch. (Joel 2)

Instead of the usual Independence Gala and road marches to celebrate, let us bring the nation together in prayer in thanksgiving to God for the 50 years, and to ask for his continued guidance for the years ahead!

The prime minister also has to be willing to embrace new concepts and strategies for leading the nation, instead of continuing the employment of unsuccessful ideologies of the past.

He has to meet with members of the security forces to find new ways and avenues to increase security within each neighbourhood and of our borders. He has to also meet with judges and lawyers, listen to their views in order to minimise the corruption within the justice system. Additionally, he will need to brainstorm with university students to find new methods of job creation.

A captain must be able to formulate strategies at the drop of a hat and execute them effectively, because situations and seasons can change in an instant; and at that point it can be anybody's game.

Apostle Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'.