Dennis Minott | Restore trust in public office

The general election is now behind us and what lies ahead must not be reduced to the colour of a shirt, the blare of vuvuzelas, or the length of a motorcade. Jamaica’s weary majority demands leadership that is sober, transparent, and servant-minded.

The incoming administration must immediately set about restoring trust in public office. Corruption and cronyism have drained the people’s faith. Strengthening the Integrity Commission, safeguarding procurement, and ensuring open government are long overdue.

They must also confront the daily crises Jamaicans face: unsafe schools, an under-funded health system, violent streets, apathetic youth, and the corrosive sense that privilege – not merit – determines our future. At the same time, we must intentionally teach empathy, compassion, and critical thinking throughout our schools, from infant to tertiary level, alongside a revival of civics and cultural fair-mindedness. These are the roots of a just society.

Equally urgent is preparing Jamaica for the green digital age. This requires structured engagement with artificial intelligence and the resolute provision of faster, more reliable internet in every home. Without it, our young people will remain locked out of opportunity.

REJECT ‘BILLIONEERING’

It is also critical that the incoming government firmly rejects the creeping culture of “billioneering” and resist every attempt at state capture – especially in relation to our future energy production. Deceptive promotion of unproven schemes must find no footing here.

Above all, I plead for humane treatment of Haitian refugees. Jamaica cannot champion human rights abroad while practising exclusion at home. History will judge us harshly if we turn our backs on the desperate at our door.

The new government must serve humbly, act cleanly, and listen deeply. Anything less would betray the people’s hard-won trust.

Dennis A. Minott, PhD, is a physicist, green energy consultant, and longtime college counsellor. He is the CEO of A-QuEST.