OUR CURTAIN-RAISER reportage on the official opening of Parliament made a telling point on one aspect of the ceremonial: the content of the Throne Speech tends to promise more than it delivers.
As we pointed out in Thursday's edition there were at least ten promises in last year's Throne Speech that were mostly not achieved. Since the speech delivered by the Governor-General is prepared by the governing administration, it normally attempts to cover the gamut of plans and programmes projected for the new financial year.
The language of policy projections over the years often restates in new ways what has been left undone to fit a changing context. Thus the Throne Speech yesterday hailed the embarkation upon "the fifth decade of our life as an independent nation." And it cited the heightened concern for global peace and security even as it recognised a new Oath of Allegiance primarily to the people of Jamaica and the constitution.
Against the background reality of an economy in crisis, priority is given once more to greater growth and increased job creation; this to be achieved via linkages with pay, performance and productivity.
What appears to be a new initiative is the pledge to exploit "the vibrancy and international reputation of the entertainment sector." The objective is to facilitate showcasing of top quality local talent on the hotel circuit in addition to supporting the Jamaica brand in major entertainment capitals.
This is long overdue given the legendary example left by reggae icon Bob Marley and so many others who have followed in his footsteps across the stages of the world.
The Throne Speech also projects the formulation of a National Cultural Policy, presumably as part of education, youth development, and the much trumpeted values and attitudes campaign.
Local Government Reform is slated to take "a giant step" with legislation to create "municipalities". It would be useful in that process to state clearly the difference between these new units of governance and the traditional Parish Councils.
Crime and the state of the justice system are accorded the usual commitment to relevant action on the basis that the latest initiative has recorded some improvement. We would be happier with more convincing statistics.
The Throne Speech may have been crafted before the latest US State Department report blasting Jamaica on its human rights record. Be that as it may, the speech projects this year the establishment at long last of a Charter of Rights and Freedoms as part of constitutional amendment.
That pledge is typical of what a Throne Speech is as it accentuates the positive.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
