Jamaicans assess Government’s performance

Today marks two years since the Bruce Golding led Jamaica Labour Party administration was swept to power, and its attempts to deal with corruption are finding favour with an increased number of Jamaicans.



However the latest Gleaner commissioned Bill Johnson poll has found that far fewer Jamaicans are satisfied with the government’s efforts to fight crime.



The poll conducted among 1,008 respondents last month, found that 48 per cent of Jamaicans are inspired by the action of the Government to crush corruption, while 44 per cent say they’re not impressed.



Since taking office in September 2007, the Golding administration has implemented measures to establish a special prosecutor to clamp down on corrupt public officials.



The appointment of a new commissioner of customs to address dishonest practices at ports of entry has also attracted widespread public interest.



Of the 48 per cent who approve of Golding’s efforts, 11 per cent strongly approve of the Government’s anti-corruption stance, while an additional 37 per cent say they are merely in favour of its approach.



Of the 44 per cent who are less than satisfied with the Government’s efforts, 32 per cent disapprove and 12 per cent have expressed strong disapproval of its anti-corruption measures.



In stark contrast to views on corruption, most Jamaicans continue to be disappointed with the efforts of the Bruce Golding administration to deal with crime.



Three national security ministers in two years have failed to inspire confidence among most Jamaicans, that the Golding administration is capable of dealing with the crime problem.



Pollster Bill Johnson has found that 55 per cent of Jamaicans are unconvinced that Golding and his team are doing a good job at stemming the crime problem.



However, an encouraging 38 per cent of the respondents gave the efforts of the national security ministry a positive rating.



On the matter of the justice system, 45 per cent of respondents do not believe the courts are being well run.



Furthermore, 13 per cent of those who disapprove of the way justice is being administered, strongly disapprove of the Government’s tactics.



However 35 per cent of respondents to the poll believe a good job is being done in the area of justice.