Brian Bonitto, Ja Editor - Overseas Publications

Powell (left), Meeks (centre) and Naar (right)

ARE WE there yet? Guess not, as most Jamaicans feel the country is heading in the wrong direction.

This, according to the latest Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll, which revealed that 76 per cent of the 1,008 respondents across the island share the view that the country has lost its way. The poll was conducted on January 5 and 6 in 84 communities across the country's 14 parishes. It has a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent,

But, what are the signs of a country heading in the right direction?

Brian Meeks, professor of social and political change in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies (UWI), thinks that there are some key issues that must be examined before arriving at a definite position. These, he said, should include matters of crime, corruption, state of the economy, growth, unemployment, poverty levels, a general sense of well-being, how people perceive the political situation in the country and overall stability," he said. "People consider all these factors," he stressed.

Basil Naar, general manager of Churches Cooperative Credit Union, shares Professor Meeks' opinion, but emphasises the need for the creation of an environment conducive to investment.

"Capital goes and stays where it is most comfortable. In fact, in countries where the rule of law is evident and where the public sector bears responsibility ... (there is) more vibrant investment activities," he said.

And, who should decide on the direction in which a country ought to go?

"The people!" said Professor Meeks. "That's what a democracy is about."

He explained that in a democracy people determine the direction and policies a government pursues. This, Professor Meeks added, is achieved through elections and, in-between elections, through formal or informal activities.

So, why do most people feel the country is heading in the wrong direction?

Mr. Naar thinks that crime and "a messy" education system, coupled with the fact that benefits are not trickling down to most people, are the main causes.

On the wrong path

"Although we have attained a degree of macroeconomic stability and the lowest inflation rate since 2002, the real effect of these have not trickled down to most people. And, when that is coupled with crime and the current public sector performance, it is not difficult to conclude that we are on the wrong path," he argued.

So, how important are directional signs?

"Very!" said head of the Police Traffic Division, Senior Superintendent Ealan Powell. He thinks that no destination can be reached without following the proper directional signs.

"If you're going on a journey, you must have some sort of goal or road map. Therefore, you need signs to direct you in reaching those milestones."

The consequences of ignoring such directional signs means "you will eventually get lost, or even face sanctions," Powell said. "In fact, a journey could take twice as long, and as much effort to complete if directional signs are ignored. Sometimes, this could even be to the person's peril", he continued.

Both Professor Meeks and Mr. Naar are optimistic that the country can get back on the right track, although they differ on the path to be taken.

"Any government that can make significant inroads into crime and corruption would be way ahead of the game," said Professor Meeks. On the other hand, Mr. Naar is of the view that "our political leaders have to be prepared to be unpopular, even if it means losing an election or never coming to power."