Will JDIP hurt Holness?

by Shalman Scott, GUEST COLUMNIST

The Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) scandal has eventuated major casualties so far, with the resignations of Works Minister Mike Henry and National Works Agency (NWA) CEO Patrick Wong, and the sending on leave of Permanent Secretary Dr Alwin Hales. If this scandal continues to explode, there is no telling where it will end and who else will be implicated.

There are still unanswered questions relating to unaccounted-for funds that have been disbursed, awards of contracts in breach of procurement protocol, and the connections of those beneficiaries who went riding on this Chinese-branded gravy train.

The contractor general's investigative team is digging into this sordid affair and soon, we hope, the prosecutorial arm of the State will do likewise. The toxicity of this scandal demands all well-thinking Jamaicans to take note - not because it is worse than others of this and past administrations - but its timing may cause investors to question whether Jamaica is a serious place to do business.

While some will argue that Prime Minister Andrew Holness has acted decisively so far in response to this JDIP mess, there are others who argue that the PM's action smacks of political expedience because the country is in election mode. They believe Mr Holness' tough-guy routine is a political ploy to gain votes on the basis that he eschews corruption.

But in fairness to the prime minister, given the weight and implications, both domestically and internationally, of this political stench, what option was there for him but to act quickly and resolutely? However, I will hasten to add that if the PM seeks to oversell his 'I take full responsibility' mantra, he may well play into the hands of his detractors in respect to the handling of this most regrettable development.

For logic suggests that if the PM feels that Mr Henry, who took responsibility and resigned, has done the right thing, then how can the prime minister consistently inundate the airwaves with 'I take full responsibility' and remain in office? Here is an example of the often slippery slope in the practice of governance.

Reforming systems

The preventative and proactive approach to stamping out corruption must always be the focus on those who possess optimal political authority in governance, much more than reactive and curative approaches after the horse has gone through the gate.

Serious reform of our bureaucratic structures to prevent corruption must now be an imperative. In this new urgency, civil society has a crucial role to play. We must recall that the JDIP revelations are incontrovertibly linked to the vigilance and vocality of civil-society groups, the fastidiousness of the Auditor General's Department and the Office of the Contractor General, as well as the media and the Opposition.

We must steel our resolve to consolidate the push to re-establish a moral compass for this nation by flexing our muscles in a more robust anti-corruption campaign. Such a posture will help to rewrite the narrative about Jamaica's commitment to transparency and accountability in government.

Shalman Scott is a political analyst. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.