Jamaica must put its own house in order

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Jamaica has every right to pursue reparatory justice for the injustices of slavery and colonialism. But, if we expect Britain and the international community to take our case seriously, we must also be prepared to confront the inadequacies within our own system of governance.

The handling of hurricane relief funds is a troubling example. According to the Auditor General, of approximately J$1.44 billion in cash donations received following Hurricane Melissa, only J$26 million, about 1.8 per cent, had been spent for victims as of February 23.

At the same time, children are still dealing with the consequences of damaged schools. The Ministry of Education reported in September that only 57 of more than 300 severely damaged schools had been completed.

There is nothing humorous about children being unable to learn in proper classrooms. This should be treated as a national emergency.

Jamaica’s current reparations petition to King Charles is focused on legal questions surrounding slavery rather than a direct monetary demand. Nevertheless, Jamaica is asking the world to engage seriously with the consequences of historical injustice. We should be asking ourselves an equally serious question: If Jamaica ever receives substantial reparatory resources, can people trust our existing institutions to manage them transparently and effectively?

We cannot demand accountability from Britain while refusing to demand accountability from ourselves. Historical injustice does not absolve present-day governments of responsibility for corruption, waste, inefficiency or poor financial management.

We must also scrutinise our increasing dependence on foreign financing. International investment is not inherently bad, but Jamaica must ensure that borrowing and development agreements serve the long-term interests of Jamaicans rather than creating unsustainable dependence.

Ultimately, Jamaica must build its own credibility.

Fix the schools. Account for the relief funds. Strengthen financial oversight. Investigate credible allegations of corruption. Improve transparency. Protect our economic sovereignty.

Then Jamaica can approach Britain from a position of moral and institutional strength. Reparations may be a legitimate historical question but Jamaica’s future cannot depend on money Britain may never pay.

Children need classrooms now. People need accountability now. And Jamaica must prove that it can responsibly manage the resources it already has before asking the world to entrust it with more.

ST AUBYN RICHARDS