Ronald Thwaites | Is it worth it?

We should express respect, not disdain, for the nearly 200 Jamaican men and women who have put themselves forward to seek election as representatives of the people. I wonder if we or they appreciate the sacrifice they are making if they want to do the job of member of parliament honestly and conscientiously.

How could they? Given the hype and “forwards” of an election campaign. The verve and intoxication of the moment can turn any head and bruk every pocket. Needy and greedy voters will ensure that.

WHO ARE THE LOSERS?

For the losers there is no silver medal. A single vote can make the struggle turn out to have been worthless. Often, in our climate of political arrogance, the pangs of defeat are amplified by derision and imposed disgrace. On September 4, that is what is facing two-thirds of those nominated last week. Most of them talented, well-intentioned persons whose abilities and commitment in the public sphere are much needed to move the nation forward. But no: they are excluded. Some hug up their loss, others sulk and a few tough-skinned individuals shake off the dust of defeat and aspire to try again.

But what a foolishness when the exercise of democracy seems to be premised on heaping disrespect and often demonization of people who make different political choices but whose capabilities and engagement are indispensable for inclusive progress. Just look what mean-spiritedness and the incapacity to compromise has done to the vital constitutional reform process.

UNEASY CROWNS

In our screwed-up system of governance, the winners face a different scale of problems. After the thrill of belonging to the most exclusive association with the highest entry fees in the nation has worn off (give or take three months) the demands of supporters and constituents will exceed the most ample constituency development budget or the scarce favour of the Minister you have befriended.

THE SCRAPERS

Of course, there are those who run after the work to see what they can scrape for themselves. No wonder the Integrity Commission gets such a fight. The genuine ones are thrust into a triage situation where the demands outstrip the supply of whatever is on offer. It is very difficult to be fair to citizens and communities who support an opposing party. Conscience can easily be overtaken by political expediency – especially if the parliamentarian craves re-election.

IMPOSSIBLE CHOICES

In the absence of a proper social security system, you will be called upon to be arbiters of life or death; of pain or healing; of a bright or dim future. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic before government intervened, antiretroviral treatment cost $40,000 per patient each month. Who do you think had to make the choice of who was to be given a chance of life? And when the cancer or asthma medication is not available or affordable, the MP must find the resources from wherever. Same situation when back-to-school or to avoid blocking university exams would only be achievable if the MP found the cash. Most of us donated our then meagre salaries to the cause. Don’t talk about light bills and funerals!

I understand it’s not the same now that big money is available but I suspect that only increases demand and the sense of entitlement.

NO POWER: ALL RESPONSIBILITY

Bureaucrats in state agencies can make or break an MP’s career since they control the scope and pace of works projects. For the electorate, the person who they elected bears full responsibility. No excuses.

NEUTERED?

Then there is Gordon House. If you are an opposition member or even worse, a government backbencher, you will have little talk or influence. Turn up, shut up, heckle on cue and bang the desk when required.

Committees are not meant to work and, I can tell you definitively, questions and private members motions are treated as a waste of the Executive’s time. Most frustrating of all is to try to change a single line in the national budget. The House Leader and the Speaker turn out to be control-freaks.

WORTHWHILE

Despite all this, it is an honour and worthwhile pursuit to represent a Jamaican constituency. Even if barely heard or more likely shouted down, being a voice for the voiceless is a good pursuit. Having an insight of how laws are made and people’s taxes are spent is a sacred civic task.

CAUTIONS

Representational politics is not a faithful friend let alone a long-term lover. So it is best if a legislator has another source of income because political fortunes are very fickle. Health insurance is cancelled just when you need it and retirement money is taxed to the hilt.

Don’t compromise family and professional relationships or prostitute your intellect and moral compass to curry your party’s favour. If an MP retires wealthy people will brand him a teef. If she retires poor, she will be thought a fool.

When you die, the members will say some nice things about you, apocryphal or not; accord your memory a minute of silence (with many checking their watches or phones after thirty seconds) and forget you swiftly thereafter. Legacy is a brief illusion even if you pre-arranged your name to adorn various buildings.

DIFFERENT APPROACH

Long ago when a Pope or Emperor was enthroned in pomp, to keep them humble, a monk carrying a dying flame of flax would point its flicker to the powerful one with the words “thus disappears the glories of this world”. Given the insipid arrogance of some of the local political class, such a ritual would be appropriate on Duke Street.

Of course it could be different. Were we really on a road to republic, consideration would be given to a system of proportionate representation and shared responsibility which would prioritize collaboration rather than divisive antagonism. Especially when no one political party can or ought to succeed without the input and talent of the other.

Just look at our inability to tackle the big issues like productivity, human resource development and gross income inequality as proof.

Here’s to all the candidates! Please remember there is life outside of and beyond politics.

Rev Ronald G. Thwaites is an attorney-at-law. He is former member of parliament for Kingston Central and was the minister of education. He is the principal of St Michael’s College at The UWI. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com