Gordon Robinson | We see you

The last thing Jamaica needs now is division among Jamaicans.

Jamaica should have one goal; one purpose; one mindset. First and foremost, to deliver basic humanitarian relief like food, water, shelter, healthcare and spiritual comfort to people devastated by Melissa. Second, homes, farms, communities, districts, towns and public infrastructure must be rebuilt stronger than before.

After all that comes accountability for which Authorities MUST prepare in everything they do during relief and rebuilding. During relief and rebuilding, which can take months or years, NOT days, every Jamaican’s focus must be “How can I help?” While pitching in to help Government discharge its public duty, we’re all, including the Opposition, to take notes and prepare to highlight the good and bad that occurred along the way with a view to doing better next time.

Because, make no mistake about it, there WILL be a next time. Just as we now look back at Gilbert, Ivan and Beryl as temporary adversities that were overcome, Melissa will soon be just another breeze blow compared to what climate change has in store for us. So those among us preferring to score political points and complain bitterly about where PM didn’t go (or didn’t go WHEN we wanted him to go) should know their turn at the wheel and worse climate created disasters are coming. So for now (and Jamaica’s sake) stop throwing your toys out of your prams and try doing onto others......

This is the time that we all should live as one, brothers.

This is the time that we all should live as one, sisters.

So come along brothers,

And come along sisters.

U.N.I.T.Y. is unity.

So come along brothers and sisters. Whoh-oh-oh-ohhh!

For those who came to class late let me explain that “Unity” isn’t sitting at home scrolling social media and complaining about pictures you didn’t see. Unity is spelled A.C.T.I.O.N! If you have a relevant skill, ask Government if it’s needed. If it is, offer it freely and as often as you can afford. If there’s ONE person or family in need you can assist, please do. Every kind deed counts. If the best thing you can do is keep out of the way of people who are assisting do that. Only positive thoughts, words and deeds are needed now. Carping and complaining helps nobody; solves nothing. If you see something going sideways, report it to the appropriate Authority. Politicians are coordinating and motivating not doing major on-the-ground work. That’s done by JDF, JCF, ODPEM, NWA and NWC among others. Talk to them or ask your MP to talk to them. If you don’t get action then bawl out as publicly as you want. But yapping incessantly about what Government should be doing only days after the event is just self-serving sophistry with no possible consequence but to hamper relief efforts.

Aah-aah-aah-aah-aah-aah-aah.

We must live as one; ’cause…

because, two wrongs can never make a right.

Look into the age that we’re living in today, brothers.

Look into the age that we’re living in today, sisters.

Desmond Dacres (stage name Desmond Dekker) and the Aces was one of two leading 1960s Ska and Rock Steady singing groups. For years they topped the charts alongside great rivals Toots and the Maytals. Both were regular entrants in early Jamaica Festival Song contests and, each year, the question was which one would win. Toots won the inaugural contest (1966) with the iconic Bam Bam but Desmond Dekker was favourite to equalize in 1967 with U.N.I.T.Y. a song inspired by a national crisis and his perception of the priority requirement to address it.

According to respected journalist, Ewart Walters, in a Gleaner Article published on May 22, 2015, almost a decade after Dekker’s death in England:

“Dekker wrote Unity after watching news coverage of a student demonstration against plans by the government of the day to build an industrial complex close to the beach. The demonstration descended into violence. In Dekker’s words:

‘The students had a demonstration, and it went all the way around to Foreshore Road and down to Shanty Town. You got wildlife, and thing like that, because it down near the beach. The higher ones wanted to bulldoze the whole thing down...the students said no way. And it just get out of control’”

To most observers’ shock, U.N.I.T.Y. placed second to a song named Ba Ba Boom by The Jamaicans led by Norris Weir. To this day, I’m convinced the similarity in name and chorus to the inaugural winner is what resonated with voters and pushed Ba Ba Boom over the line.

If we aren’t careful, political divisions being stoked by His Majesty’s loyal Opposition’s immature, unthinking, divisive actions could foment violence and even riot in devastated areas. From the outset, before Melissa struck, PM invited Leader of the Opposition (LOO) to a joint briefing by all agencies. That was LOO’s chance to offer unconditional help. This would also suit the Opposition politically because it would be in prime position to accept Government’s lead; be in the know throughout; then be able to highlight any Government lapses AFTER the work was done but before the next election. Meanwhile, PNP would remain immunized, like Aaron Rodgers in a pandemic, from responsibility for any harm Government inadequacy caused.

First note I’d take for future use is of PM’s stubborn refusal to ask that a State of Public Emergency be declared in worst affected areas. THIS is what SOE’s are for! Surely PM isn’t being deliberately obtuse to avoid awkward comparisons with previous unconstitutional SOEs? That would be as politically childish and self serving as anything Crybaby Mark or Chatty Chatty Dayton has conjured so far.

Best political weapon: “We tried to advise them but they insisted on doing it their way. We didn’t obstruct.” Mark you (no pun intended), every strategy has risk. The risk here is if Government’s efforts are successful.

But isn’t that what we all want?

That’s how I believe Norman Manley, Michael Manley, P.J Patterson, Portia Simpson-Miller and Peter Phillips would’ve played it. It’s a win-win. PNP gets all the credit for co-operating and none of the blame for any failures. As a bonus, Jamaica benefits from political unity.

But not THIS PNP. Ever since Rise United’s palace coup, traditional PNP is no more. What’s left seems to be a narcissistic cabal that believes it knows more than anyone; needn’t consult with Government; doesn’t accept Government as temporary national leader; and must find fault publicly at every available opportunity.

It is VERY important Opposition be included in all planning, implementation and oversight committees. It is VERY important Opposition be a partner, albeit a junior partner, in EVERYTHING going forward. But it’s difficult to partner with an Opposition that evidently prefers competitive instead of co-operative contribution.

So, I’m saddened but not surprised at PNP’s politically antagonistic posture in the throes of national disaster. The chronology of PNP response to the catastrophe reads like a dark comedy. As I chronicled last Tuesday, initially premature ejaculation predicting political victimization before any was possible was Mark Golding’s first instinct. Then, in response to widespread opprobrium, he posted a much calmer, more careful, appropriate statement.

But what followed was more like footwear symbolized by a locally founded international hotel chain’s name. I suppose it’s difficult to be careful, calm or thoughtful while wearing flip flops causing you to stumble over your tongue. Separate press conferences; overt and covert messaging that Government isn’t doing enough or acting unfairly in PNP represented constituencies; were amazingly short-sighted and, worse, harmful to the relief effort.

Flip!

A credible Opposition would join Government in relief efforts. A credible Opposition would contribute ideas; fund raising contacts; and skilled relief work through membership of national committees set up and led by Government NOT by way of rival press conferences. It’s a pity PNP still can’t bring itself to understand its role as Opposition NOT Government and the need to unite to address dire conditions created by nature. Instead PNP continues to play childish one-up-man-ship games.

Flop!!

Is PNP channeling Joe Turner?

Now flip, flop and fly

I don’t care if I die.

Not to worry. Just as PNP should be doing while assisting Government’s relief efforts, Jamaicans are watching and taking notes.

Peace and Love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com