My Proposed Cabinet

The Prime Minister elect and her advisors must be having a warm time crafting the new cabinet. It is my sincere hope that the issues of loyalty and political expedience will not be the deciding factors in the final composition of the cabinet. It is my hope that Mrs. Simpson-Miller and her team will careful assesses the present realities, determine the short to medium term objectives and name a cabinet in keeping with the skill sets at their disposal. The new cabinet should reflect the imperatives of fiscal discipline, economic grow, job creation and efficiency. Mrs. Simpson-Miller and her team must be prepared to think outside the box and consider a joined-up approach to government as recommended by the Nettleford Report. In this regard, agriculture should be link with investment and commerce. With a Director of Tourism and a Director General in the Ministry of Tourism, there is no need to have a minister just for tourism. It is a good synergy therefore to link tourism with foreign affairs and foreign trade, especially since the tourism minister is required to spend so much time abroad. The issue of community development must be given priority attention and be fused with youth, sports and culture. There is no need for a ministry of local government in the context of local government reform, a director general should be appointed to drive the process. Importantly, the ministry of education should be reconfigured to include the critical issue of human resource development.

The times demand a lean and efficient cabinet, a cabinet of youth and experience. Based on the foregoing, I offer the following slate for consideration.

1. Prime Minister and Defense – Portia Simpson Miller
2. Finance, Planning, and Public Service – Dr. Peter Phillips
3. National Security – Peter Bunting
4. Health and Environment – Fenton Ferguson
5. Investment, Commerce and Agriculture – Anthony Hylton
6. Housing, Transport and Infrastructure – Omar Davis
7. Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Trade – Wykeham McNeil
8. Science, Energy, Technology and Mining – Phillip Paulwell
9. Education and Human Resource Development – Ronald Thwaites
10. Youth Sports, Culture, and Community Development – Lisa Hanna
11. Justice and Attorney General – Patrick Atkinson
12. Industrial Relations and Social Services – Fitz Jackson
13. Cabinet Secretary and Information – Delano Franklin

Junior MinistersMark Golding – Finance, Planning and Public Service

Damian Crawford – Education and Human Resource Development

Luther Buchanan – Housing, Transport and Infrastructure

Julian Robinson – Science, Energy, Technology and Mining

Sandrea Faulkner – Office of The Prime Minister

Orville Plummeroaplummer@yahoo.com

Positive Developments In Jamaica's Democratic Process

As we approach 2012, the 50th year of our independence, there are some positive developments taking place in our fledgling democracy and political culture. As citizens, we will miss these if we focus too much on the usual fluff of political campaigning characterized by rhetoric, attack ads, mass rallies and motorcades. For one, the manifestos of the two major political parties indicate that for the first time there is a convergence on the fundamental economic model that must be employed to move the country forward. We must not underestimate the importance of the fact that for the first time the two major political parties have agreed on issues such as fiscal policies, debt management and the engagement of the multilaterals, especially the IMF. I dare say the differences between the two parties are differences without distinction.

This convergence is not just on economic policies. There is no discernable difference between the parties on international relations. Both parties are at one as it relates to countries such as Cuba, Venezuela and China. On educational policy, it is commendable that the present administration has continued and strengthens the transformation program started by the previous administration. It is also heartening to hear the opposition pledging to strengthen primary health care and to continue the no user fee policy of the present administration. On national security, there is no difference in policy. Some of us can still recall the days of political interference in the operation of the security forces. Thank God those days are behind us. Apart from a few skirmishes, the campaign so far has been peaceful. It was good to see the peaceful and jovial interactions between supporters on domination day. I sincerely hope that this will continue throughout the rest of the campaign and beyond. Those who lived through the bloody elections of the 70’s and the 80’s can better appreciate this. We hope that no other generation of Jamaicans will experience the monster of political violence and electoral malpractice. The political parties and the Electoral Commission deserve commendation.

One of the most refreshing and important development in our democracy and political culture is the significant number of post-independence Jamaicans who have offered themselves to represent both parties and serve their country. This is refreshing, as most if not all these ‘young’ Jamaicans are trained professionals with distinguished careers and have served their country well before entering representational politics. The political leaders of both parties must be commended for recruiting and facilitating such a high caliber of new and young candidates. These new and younger politicians must be prepared to move away from the negative, violent, tribal and corrupt politics practiced by their political forebears. They must strive to put country before party.

Perhaps the most significant development taking place before our very eyes is the awakening of civil society. Civil society came to the fore over the government’s mishandling of the Christopher Coke extradition request. It was not the parliamentary opposition that forced the government to extradite ‘Dudus’ Coke, it was civil society. And contrary to K.D. Knight’s self belief, it wasn’t him or the PNP that caused Bruce Golding demise, it was civil society. This historic fact must not escape us, because it is the first in the history of Jamaica that peaceful civil action has forced a Prime Minister out of office. This must serves as a warning to all future Prime Minister. Organized civil action is one of the most important ingredients for true democracy and good governance, for left unchecked, democratically elected governments will abuse their powers. Even worse, when it suits them, government and opposition will unite to form a parliamentary block against the citizen.

Organized civil action must be encouraged because it strengthens and safeguard the democratic process and reduce violent and destructive civil unrests. It is therefore heartening to see the coming together of various church groups under The Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches (JUGC) that represents an estimated 99 per cent of the island's Christian community. The Private Sector Organization (PSOJ), The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), The Jamaica Manufacture Association and The Micro Small Medium Enterprises Alliance and other private and business sector organizations have developed a working collaboration. The previous hostility among the Island’s several trade unions have effectively ended since the establishment of The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU). Advocacy groups such as Jamaican For Justice (JFJ), Families Against State Terrorism (FAST), Hear The Children Cry, etal, must be encouraged. The power of advocacy was demonstrated recently with the formation of Citizens United to Reduce Electricity (CURE). The group was successful in getting JPS to adjust aspects of its practice and caused the resignation of its CEO. The establishment of the Jamaica's National Action Integrity Forum is another important development as it seeks to tackle the intractable problem of public corruption. Most importantly is the establishment of The Jamaica Civil Society Coalition ‘The Coalition is an historic development. It brings together for the first time in the post-independence history of social movements in Jamaica, a broad cross-section of interests in civil society, most of which have had very limited experience of being in dialogue and collaborating. The groups are in large part umbrella organizations of the private sector and churches, professional associations and the leading non-government organizations engaged in advocacy and programme implementation. As such, the Coalition represents an expansion and enrichment of on-going national efforts to strengthen social dialogue, create a social partnership, and strengthen civic participation in governance’ (JCSC Website)

Forming governments, though important, cannot be the extent of our democracy. Casting a ballot for your candidate of choice cannot be the extent of our democratic rights and responsibility. For me, the continuous, active and responsible role of the citizen is the most important feature of true democracy and good governance. We are still in the throes of a world economic crisis but yet the 2030 vision of Jamaica becoming the "the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business’ beckons. Times Magazine person of the Year is ‘The Protestor’, in praise of the role of protest and protesters in ushering changes in the Arab block, Europe and North America. There is only a few days remaining in 2011 and the year 2012 will mark our 50th year of independence. It is my prayer that for us, 2012 will be the year of the ‘Jamaican Citizen’ as we all awaken to our role as active and responsible citizens. This is critical for social change and national development. After this election, let us once and for all commit to be a real Jamaican and join in pledging:

Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigor of my body in the service of my fellow citizens. I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.

Government On Collision Course With The People

It was surprising to many how Jamaicans responded to the tax measures announced by the Government in the April supplementary budget. Even the Government had expected some amount of street protest over the gas tax. The Jamaican people have demonstrated that they understand the effects of the global recession and are appreciative of the difficulties faced by the Government in keeping the Jamaican ship afloat.

However, most Jamaicans are disappointed, shocked and angry with the Government over the recently announced tax package, the third in nine months. The Government is now on a collision course with its people. A survey of our history would indicate that Jamaica today possess some of the explosive features of the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865, the social unrest of 1932 and the gas riots of 1999. These features include increased economic hardship, high levels of unemployment, increased social inequality and class division, an unbearable tax burden, recalcitrant and seemingly oppressive government.

What we have today is an explosion waiting to happen, a social unrest of immense proportion in the making. Good sense must prevail. The Government must immediately demonstrate that it hears the people's cry and feel their pain. Before the implementation of any new taxes and the signing of an IMF agreement, the prime minister must immediately convene a national summit consisting of representatives of the Government, the Opposition, the private sector, the unions and civil society with the aim of crafting a shared short- and medium-term response to our economic and social plight.

In the meantime, I am calling on the Opposition and the unions to let good sense prevail and abstain from instigating or organising any mass street protest. The country is presently on the precipice of economic and social collapse; let us not push it over the edge.

Orville Plummer

Don't Create A Reigious Garrison

I am aware that Prime Minister Golding, Pearnel Charles and several other members of the present administration are affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. It is obvious that the present government is positioning the Seventh Day Adventist Church to play a more expanded and active role in the nation.

The appointment of the head of the Seventh Day Adventist Church as Governor General, the dominant role given by the SDA church in last independence observations, the use of SDA choirs at state functions and the use of Seventh Day Adventist Churches to host official state functions are cases in pointed. I am in strong agreement with the view that as the largest Christian denomination in Jamaica, there should be a more active role given to the Seventh Day Adventist Church in national building. The Seventh Day Adventist Church earns the right to play a more active role in national life. The SDA contribution to health care, education, disaster relief and family life education are commendable and should be emulated by other denominations.

Care must me taken however, that the Seventh Day Adventist Church is not being positioning as the official church of Jamaica. The government must not create a religious garrison, Jamaica has enough garrisons.

Orville Plummer

Gully and Gaza Filling A Vacuum

Mavado and Vybz Kartel and their Gully and Gaza empires took centre stage this week as they commanded the attention of the prime minister, four Cabinet ministers, the Peace Management Initiative, the National Transformation Programme and the media in a high-level meeting at Jamaica House. Much has been said about the impact of the Gully-Gaza conflict and its negative repercussions on our youth, schools and communities.

In dealing with problems, we have a tendency to focus on the peripheral rather than on the fundamental issues. We have a tendency to focus on personalities and symptoms rather than root causes. A closer examination of the Gully-Gaza conflict will indicate that it is a mere symptom of the serious identity and leadership crisis that has characterised the Jamaican society for some time now. It is obvious that there is a dearth of effective leadership at all levels of the society, from the home to the school and from the church and to the Parliament. A significant portion of our youths have no sense of self, their heritage nor what it is to be Jamaican.

In this regard, the Gully-Gaza craze is just another phenomenon that occupies the leadership and identity vacuum in the society. Gully and Gaza are like sponges sopping up the hearts and minds of thousands of young people who are searching for leadership and their identity. Gully and Gaza are playing a similar role to the one being played by the dons, gangs, lotto scam, and skin bleaching. Gully, Gaza, Mavado, Kartel and others of their ilk will continue to capture the hearts and minds of our youth as long as parenting and family life remain weak, churches and pastors remain indifferent and irrelevant, service clubs and uniformed groups remain dormant and political parties and their leaders remain visionless and uninspiring.

Orville Plummer

Crisis Management Plan Needed

Both the director of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Dr Wesley Hughes, and the governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), Derick Latibeaudiere, have indicated, in no uncertain terms, that Jamaica, like most other countries, is in the throes of an economic crisis. This admission by the two technocrats came after several months of denials by the political directorate. The advice from the two technocrats is that the country needs to 'batten down'.

What is absent in all of this is a clear crisis-management plan from the Government. This was most evident last week when we witnessed the BOJ and the Jamaica Manufac-turers' Association arguing over the interest-rate policy and the minister of industry and commerce and the minister of finance giving conflicting pronouncements on the important issue of capital control.

The prime minister needs urgently to call the sector leaders, his Cabinet ministers and the chief technocrats to a national summit geared towards developing a national-response plan to deal with the present crisis and to chart a clear course going forward. Emanating from this summit should be specific and unequivocal answers to the following issues:
1. What are the short term objectives of the Government?
2. What are the major priorities of the Government at this time?
3. What is the policy mix that will be employed?
4. What are the major tasks and responsibilities of the various sectors?
5. What is the responsibility of the citizenry in this crisis?

A crisis management plan is urgently needed before things fall apart.

Lessons From Beijing: Principles For 2009 And Beyond

Our athletes did us extremely proud at the Olympic Games held last year in Beijing China with their scintillating performance. As a nation, we were proud as Jamaica became the toast of the world. As we face the clear and present challenges of 2009 and beyond, there are some valuable principles we can learn from the Olympic experience that we can use as a paradigm for nation building.

1. Recognizing Our Greatness – the performance of our athletes at the Beijing Games has once more reinforced the fact that as a people we are well endowed with extra ordinary talents and abilities. Time and time again this fact is highlighted in a wide sphere of activities and by an array of outstanding personalities. Bob Marley, Byron Lee, and Ernie Ranglin in music; T. P. Lecky and Henry Lowe in Science and Technology; Cecil Baugh, Malachi ‘Cappo’ Reynolds and Edna Manley in the Arts; Father Hugh Sherlock and Bishop Percival Gibson in Religion; Marcus Garvey in Philosophy; Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, Mike MCcallum, George Headley, Michael Holding, Courtney Walsh, Herb Mckinley, Donald Quarrie, Merline Ottey, Veronica Campbell, Asafa Powell, Ussain Bolt and a whole host of others in Athletics. There is therefore no doubt that we are blessed with greatness in all areas of life. The issue is how we move from a nation of great individuals to become a great and prosperous nation.

2. Training and development – The superb performance of our athletes is due in no small way to the expertise and dedication of track and field coaches at the primary, secondary, club and national levels and to the strength of the various developmental meets and athletic programs. This is a clear indication of what our people can achieve when skills and abilities are exposed to training and development. A greater focus therefore must be place on training and development as we go forward.

3. Effective Schooling – The strength of our athletic program lies in the quality of the schools’ athletic program. For the most part our schools have done well in discovering and developing our athletes to become world class and record breakers. Can you imagine what we would achieve as a nation if our schools in general would ramp up their Language, Arts, Science, Technology, Mathematics, Skills and other departments with a view of producing world class citizens? In 2009 and beyond, greater attention must be placed on the teaching and learning processes in our schools and the management of the school plant. We must demand more from our educators and from our students. It is a fact that there is no poor country that is educated and there is no educated country that is poor.

4. Positive Parenting – One of the defining features of the triumph in Beijing is the role played by the respective parents in the success of the athletes. We saw the positive effect on those athletes whose parents journeyed to Beijing to give them support. We gain insights into the success of the athletes when the parents enunciated the values and principles by which they used in the up bringing of their respective children. Discipline, hard work, godliness, ambition, respect, honest and humility are just some of the principles they highlighted. The point must me made that all the parents of the victorious athletes are from inner city and rural areas and raised their children with humble means and in trying economic and social conditions. The evidence is quite clear - if they could, we all can. If we are going to solve our social, moral and economic problems, we must begin with effective parenting. Related social services, NGO’s and faith based organizations must devise effective programs to provide effective support to parents.

5. Community Support – it was a thrill to witness the overflow of pride and joy from the communities from which the athletes sprang. From the ‘garrisons’ of to the deep rural hamlets, we saw the varied degree of emotions exuded by the communities of origin. We cannot forget the festive atmosphere in Maxfield Avenue, Water House Sherwood Content and Troy but neither can we forget the collective disappointment and empathy of the Orange Field community after Asafa failed to medal in the 100m. The respective communities shared in the triumph and disappointed of their athletes. They were at one with their athlete and there athlete was one of them. The primary school teacher, the shop keeper, the taxi driver, they all felt like they had make a contribution in producing an Olympic champion. Jamaica is a collection of communities and if Jamaica is to be developed we must fix the communities. Too many communities across the island are run-down and divided. The community space has become too violent, lewd, x-rated, dirty and detrimental to the development of purposeful individuals. A concerted effort must be made by communities in conjunction with the State to resuscitate the community Youth Clubs, Neighbourhood Watch and other such groups. Every community should engender a climate in which the next world class athlete, farmer, educator, musician or scientist can strive.

6. Team Work – There were two defining moments for me in the Beijing Games. The first was the disappointed of not getting the ‘sure win’ in the Women’s 4x100m Relay after the foul-up in the baton exchange. What was defining for me was the response of the members of the team after the disappointment. There was no rancour or blaming of any one person, instead the team took collective responsibility. What can we learn from this? We have a tendency of narrowly blaming politicians, the police, the government, the church, the education system or the dance hall artistes for the ills of the society. Let us think as Team Jamaica and make 2009 the year for collective responsibility. Ironically, the other defining moment for me was the baton exchange in the Men’s 4x100m Relay. It was a superb example of team work. As Ussain handed over the baton to Asafa on the third and final leg, he shouted “run Asafa…run”, in that distinct and strong Jamaican accent. In fact, Ussain ran the entire last leg with Asafa, cheering him on. The rest is history – Asafa won his first Olympic gold medal, Ussain won his third gold medal of the game and Team Jamaica struck gold with a world record time. This is very instructive, Ussain was interested in Asafa winning a gold medal and equally, Ussain wanted to win another gold medal for himself and for Jamaica. In other words if you do well, I will do well and the team will do well. We need to translate this principle to all areas of national life, in the home, at school, at the work place, in parliament and in communities. For example, if we support the police, the police will be better able to support us and if the police support us, we will be better able to support them. Let us think and act as a team in 2009 and beyond.

7. Individual Responsibility – The performance of our athletes in Beijing was no fluke, accident nor miracle. Individually, the athletes apply hard work, training, sacrifice, self confidence and other such virtues in the ‘Bird Nest’. Too many Jamaicans are waiting on somebody to ‘give dem a ting’ or to ‘let off some ting’ because ‘nuting nah gwaan’. This mentality is aided and abetted by the politics of patronage. We need to remind our people that if they want good ‘dem nose a fi run’ and God help those that help themselves. The State has the responsibility to provide leadership, infrastructure, security, good governance, etc., but every citizen is individually responsible for their social and economic development.

8. Spirit of Excellence – Our performance in Beijing was distinguished by its class and excellence. We did not win just one medal in the Women’s 4x100m final, we won all three; we did not only win medals, we won gold medals; we did not only win gold medals, we set world records. To cap it off, the celebrations that followed each victory were classy and distinctly Jamaican. Imagine what we would become as a nation if we should inculcate and manifest this spirit of excellence in the schoolroom and in the boardroom, in the private and in the public sector, on the playfield and on the road. Let us do away with shortcuts, shoddiness, piecemeal and mediocrity in 2009 and strive for excellence.

9. Nationality Unity – Any objective analysis will indicate that the absence national unity is one of the major problems we face. But every now and then we are given opportunities to come together as a people - Independence in 1962, Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and the World Cup qualification in 1998 are three such opportunities. Our triumph in Beijing is another such great opportunity. The scenes of oneness, national pride and unity are still fresh in my mind. I will never forget the feeling of one Jamaica as people travelled all the way from Portland, St. Mary and St. Elizabeth to join fellow Jamaicans in celebration in Half Way Tree. My fear is that we will miss another opportunity to unite as nation. Unity is not accidental, it must be hoped for, prayed for, planned for and it must be practiced. Our motto, anthem and pledge contain much insight into how this can be done. Our political and religious leaders must exemplify this unity. Let us engage the services of our musicians, athletes, and community leaders in the process. As the Jamaican ship sails in the turbulent waters of national challenges and the threatening winds of global crisis, all hands must be on deck. Let us all become a part of the solution in 2009 and beyond so that Jamaica may advance in beauty, fellowship and prosperity and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.