It is refreshing to see the unfolding of Barack Obama's presidency in its first few days. It is still early days, but he seems to be a political leader whose practice matches his rhetoric. The earliest actions and pronouncements from the new president have so far matched up to the vision and promises he outlined on the campaign trail. There is much we in Jamaica can learn from the politics of transformation taking place in America being led by Barack Obama. One of the first public acts by President Obama was to institute new limits on lobbyists in his White House and to freeze the salaries of highly paid aides. In announcing the freeze, the president said, "Families are tightening their belts, and so should Washington."
Despite the earlier denials by our Government, we are now experiencing what Labour Minister Pearnel Charles calls an 'economic tsunami'. There are job cuts in all major sectors including bauxite and alumina, tourism, agriculture, banking and finance and even media. What is absent in all of this is the lack of exemplary leadership from our political and corporate leaders. We are yet to hear of any cuts in the salaries and lavish perks received by leaders in the public and private sectors.
If we are called upon to bear the necessary austerity measures in light of the present crisis, we expect our leaders to lead by example. We need to see some sacrifice, even if it is just symbolic.
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