Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson says there is greater need for consensus and consultancy in governance.

He was speaking at the launch of the book: “Challenges to Civil Society: Popular Protest and Governance in Jamaica” written by political scientist, Dr Hume Johnson. The book was launched Thursday at JAMPRO’s offices in New Kingston.

Mr Patterson says the terms consultancy and consensus are critical to the country’s survival and growth and should not simply be bandied about.

And, according to Mr Patterson, the role of the Opposition and other sectors are crucial in this process including civil society, community groups, athletes, entertainers and the church.

He hailed the new book by Dr Johnson as an intuitive grasp of contemporary Jamaican politics, which is well-researched and supported by sound reasoning.