Jamaican Spring: time for a moral revolution

THE EDITOR, Madam:

More than a decade ago, the world watched in awe as young people across the Arab world rose up against oppressive regimes. ‘Arab Spring’ was driven by cries for democracy, justice, and economic opportunity.

But Jamaica needs a different kind of spring – one not of violence or rebellion, but a moral revolution, which must stir a deep change in both leaders and citizens, a cultural shift toward honesty, trust, and moral clarity.

Over the last 50 years, Jamaica has morphed into a nation where truth regularly stumbles in the streets (Isaiah 59:14), where political loyalty of all stripes, often trumps service to the people, and where leadership over the years seems too often about status, not stewardship. We must reignite integrity in public life and recover the moral compass that once guided our families, schools, and churches.

A Moral Revolution is a reawakening to the foundations that make societies strong: family, honesty, and respect for life. Western societies have experienced moral revolutions that led to drift, confusion, and disorder. Jamaica must chart a different course – one that reclaims rather than dismantles.

Our first priority must be a renaissance in traditional family values. When family fails, society unravels. The United Nations acknowledges that families are vital to the transmission of ethical and cultural values. Yet today, Jamaica faces a moral free fall – young people confused, violence rampant, and institutions crumbling under the weight of ethical ambivalence.

We must also reject the toxic grip of negative partisanship – where political identity is shaped by hatred for the other side, rather than love for the nation. This tribalism erodes trust, undermines mental health, and fuels division. A joint political retreat to foster positive partisanship could become a symbol of moral courage.

Equally urgent is the depoliticisation of our pulpits. The Church must not be a platform for defending wrongdoing. Its prophetic voice must ring with truth, justice, and unity – calling all Jamaicans to higher ground. Our pulpits must speak for God, not for parties.

This movement requires clear national values, unwavering ethical standards in leadership all all sectors, and a unified front across civil society, the Church, and the political class. It is time to end the decades old ‘cultural bligh’ for corruption, and demand accountability that restores faith in institutions.

The Jamaican Spring we envision will not bloom without this Moral Revolution. Let the Church lead with moral clarity. Let families restore order and love. Let politics return to service, not self. And let us declare, without shame, that Jamaica must rise on the strength of righteousness.

PASTOR MICHAEL

MCANUFF-JONES

Chairman, Back to the Bible

Jamaica