The Editor, Sir:

Trinidadian Lloyd Best has stated that the post-colonial Caribbean form of governance has more in common with the super authoritarian Crown Colony model than with modern democratic forms and substance.

Dr. David Hinds, a noted Caribbean-American political commentator, declared that the lure of government's tremendous power has transformed the political party into a power-machine that crushes everything its way, including opposing parties and civil-society organisations; winning the executive branch of government is the ultimate prize as it guarantees control over everything else.

Triggered in part by the lack of separation of powers, because Jamaica's politics operates on a winner take all basis, with the loser becoming politically irrelevant. Thus our nation has become a society of two warring tribes, the PNP versus the JLP; it has become a nation whose poorer citizens have been socialized to see their fortune through the victory of a political party instead of through social, cultural economic and political empowerment.

Given these dysfunctions within our politics, whether we like it or not, Jamaica will not realize its true potentials (economic, social, cultural or others) unless the political system is not only transformed, but transformed in such a way to allow consistency in political renewal and broader participation in governance.

I believe that it is this generation of politicians who must lead that transformation. They must model previous generations of politicians and not defer their responsibilities. They must accept the challenge and put in place political changes that will curb the power of the prime ministership, strengthen the parliament, make the opposition party relevant and build on the symbolism of national governance that will enhance our homeland, Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL A. Brown

miguelbro@yahoo.com

Washington, DC

Via Go-Jamaica