Civil society comes of age

For years, Jamaicans have known of the garrison politics that operates in our nation and, in particular, in Tivoli Gardens. This situation would be spoken of in hushed tones by many, but it is only in recent years that civil society has begun speaking out against this type of political arrangement. One remembers the days when in certain constituencies, more than 100 per cent voter turnout was the norm. The establishment of the Electoral Commission has helped to change some of these practices, yet still others have been so ingrained in the psyche of Jamaicans that it will take some time for these behaviours to become reprehensible to indoctrinated party supporters on both sides of the fence.

The association of our political parties with criminal gangs is another well-known reality in the Jamaican context. In spite of the repeated denials by politicians on both sides, the man on the street is quite aware of what happens in that regard. We can recall high-powered political figures attending the funerals of acknowledged gunmen who they designated 'contractors' and 'area leaders'. These men, according to the politicians, have no police record and had not been proven to be criminals. All of these proclamations convinced nobody but themselves, as Jamaicans were quite aware that our justice system, which depended on eyewitness reports in court, ensured that none of these accused 'dons' would be convicted since the eyewitnesses usually conveniently disappear, have loss of memory, or are killed.

These realities were the background to the events of May 2010.

This culture of crime and violence and its association with the political directorate came to a head in Jamaica with the USA's request for the extradition of 'Dudus' Coke, the strongman of Tivoli Gardens. Jamaica watched as our Government defended the strongman of Tivoli. Our country was put at risk, and many of us were alarmed at what was taking place. The use of ICT enabled information to be moved around at ready speed and for important organisations in the country such as the PSOJ, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches to bring pressure to bear on the Government to cease protecting Dudus.

The gunfights of last May are forever etched in the minds of all Jamaicans. It was clear that such a bloody confrontation which took place when Tivoli residents barricaded the community in order to protect their leader could have been prevented had the extradition request been handled differently. Lives were lost, property destroyed, and the reputation of the nation brought into disgrace in the international arena.

redemption for bruce golding?

In any democratic nation, such happenings would result in the resignation of the head of state. This call was no different in Jamaica; however, what was different here was that the political directorate was so arrogant in its own sense of entitlement that it saw no need for this to take place. It was civil society, including the man on the street, who called in to radio talk shows, wrote in the press, and communicated with the Government to advocate that the prime minister should resign.

In response to this pressure, Mr Golding set up the Manatt commission of enquiry. This, if nothing else, did two things: enabled the Jamaican people to have an eye, for the first time, into the intrigue of government politicising and provided daily entertainment for a people disillusioned with, angry at and betrayed by its Government. At the end of that production, the prime minister was still at the helm of the Government. There was one resignation from the Government previous to the enquiry which was a token thrown to the public. It meant nothing.

Mr Golding's announcement on Sunday that he intends to resign was shocking. It is evident, however, that Mr Golding understands that his personal political ambitions must take second place to what is best for the nation and, may I say, for his party. For that understanding and for taking the subsequent action of resigning, he must be commended.

I recall having great hopes for Mr Golding when he gave his swearing-in speech. He has done some good for our country, but as Antony said of Julius Caesar in Shakespeare's play, "The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones." I believe that Jamaica will recall the good that Prime Minister Bruce Golding did for this country because he has redeemed himself by stepping down at this time.

It is civil society that has helped to bring the changes in our Jamaican political scenario. The push for greater transparency and accountability must increase. Our leaders need to remember that they are elected by the people to serve them. They must, at all times, realise that they must operate as servant-leaders and not arrogant despots. Civil society has an important part to play to ensure that this realisation is kept in the forefront of the minds of our government.

Martin Henry, in The Sunday Gleaner of June 13, 2010, made the following points in his article 'Government and civil society':

"A recurring demand is for 'civic participation' in governance. One of the most powerful coalitions emerging and which includes the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, Jamaicans for Justice, Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections, Jamaica Exporters' Association, Media Association and Bar Association, among others, has announced its intention "to demand non-partisan civic participation in the affairs of the nation going forward" and affirmed its "commitment to a process that broadens and increases public participation in and oversight of the national decision-making process".

What now needs to be carefully considered are the mechanisms which will allow orderly and productive engagement without unduly constricting the capacity of the Government to govern.

Esther Tyson is an educator. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and esther.tyson@gmail.com.