Rev. Al Miller makes his plea for a government of unity yesterday. - Rudolph Brown UNDAUNTED BY the lukewarm response from political and civic leaders to his initiative last year for a national day of repentance, president of Whole Life Ministries, Rev. Dr. Al Miller yesterday called for a government of national unity and reconstruction.
Dr. Miller, who is also pastor of Fellowship Tabernacle in Kingston and chaplain to the Reggae Boyz football team, told a press conference at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston that a government of national unity was imperative if the country was to move forward.
Speaking against the background of what he described as dark and difficult days, he outlined a proposal that would see this government of national reconstruction serving for one five-year term only.
"At the end of the five-year term, the country would return to the multiple party system but by that time the system will have been cleaned up, new paradigms set and a clear framework to enhance development for a 21st century mindset," he said.
This government would comprise "fresh non-partisan faces perceived to be credible and having integrity, and the best representatives from all existing parties" to ensure consensus and that national objectives are not subsumed in partisan interests.
"The national crisis demands statesman-like action where personal and partisan interests are set aside for the greater national good," he said.
The proposal has been submitted to political and civic leaders for feedback and Dr. Miller said he was expecting an initial response within a week.
Included in the mandate he outlined for this government were uniting the nation; devising a clear national vision for each sector, ministry of Government, parish and Member of Parliament; making tough, but necessary changes to ensure long-term growth and development and dealing with corruption, crime, political tribalism, divisiveness and other core problems.
Dr. Miller insisted he was neither being idealistic nor dreaming utopia, rather he was articulating a vision which encompassed "the will of God" for the lives of the Jamaican people. Asked if he saw a role for himself in this government, he said he was committed to helping the process in whatever way he could.
Meanwhile, Senator and Professor of Political Science at the University of the West Indies, Trevor Munroe, immediately welcomed the proposal describing it as timely and necessary.
"The depths of the challenges facing the Jamaican people are so complex - from corruption to crime and poverty, that no one party or section of the Jamaican society can deal with the problems adequately," he said.
He also said there was an abundance of talent and experience spread across the parties and outside the present political system in civil society which should be tapped for the good of the country.
"Let us, through dialogue, agree on what needs to be done and deal with the mechanics later," he said.
