D.K. Duncan "IT IS acknowledged that political tribalism and the culture of garrison politics have had a destructive effect on the society and the democratic process. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in consultation with other political parties and Civil Society organisations will develop practical initiatives to ensure as far as possible the elimination of political tribalism. These initiatives will include the relevant recommendations of the Wolfe Task Force on Crime, the National Committee on Political Tribalism and National Committee on Crime and Violence." (September 25, 2002).
Just thirteen months ago, the leadership of the JLP issued this unambiguous statement. The press release to the media which included this commitment was made a mere three weeks prior to the general election of October 16, 2002. One of the clearest signals to come out of the party's conference over the weekend will arise from the way this public contract with the people of Jamaica is handled.
THE BACKGROUND
After reviewing the final report of the National Committee on Crime and Violence, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition arrived at a bipartisan consensus. They signed that document on June 11, 2002. However, recommendation No. 14a of the October 2001 final report of the National Committee was omitted, among others, in the bipartisan document. This recommendation dealt specifically with proposals for the implementation of plans to "Eliminate Political Tribalism".
Despite this omission, the later statement of September 25, 2002 clearly placed this fundamental issue back on the national agenda with the stated backing of the JLP. The party's conference presents an opportune time for the delegates and the leadership of the party to squarely confront this vexed issue of POLTICAL TRIBALISM.
ACTION
Civil society can be counted on to stand ready for consultation on ways to "develop practical initiatives to ensure as far as possible" its elimination.
The People's National Party (PNP) whose government set up the Wolfe Commission, as well as the Kerr Commission on Political Tribalism, have signalled, at the very least, an openness to discussion of this issue. There are many existing recommendations in these documents which can be immediately identified and acted on.
An acknowledgement and support of Recommendation No.16 of the National Committee which points to an approach to the development of an action plan would be appropriate. A clear decision by the JLP's conference of a commitment to "action - not a bag a mouth" would send a powerful signal.
TERRORISM LEGISLATION
Recommendation No.12 of the National Committee speaks to the issue of Terrorism. Clearly implied in this recommendation is the need for an agreement on a realistic and legitimate definition of terrorism.
On that basis, proposals can then be developed to facilitate the drafting of legislation. The same recommendation also calls for a bipartisan approach to this legislation. However, Recommendation No.16 calls for prior national dialogue around the entire plan. The JLP's conference has the opportunity to flash a signal indicating their commitment to national dialogue before participating in the bipartisan approach in Parliament.
GOVERNANCE
Another matter outstanding on the national agenda is the structure of Government. The PNP's proposal of a 17-month timetable for the removal of the Queen and the declaring of Republican status is into its second month. The JLP's response, tying its acceptance to a referendum on the CCJ, seem to have sent the proposal into hiding.
Both parties, through a joint select committee of Parliament in 1995, made a number of recommendations on Governance and the structure of Government - this, after studying the report of the Constitutional Commission. One such recommendation was that no fundamental change in the structure of Government would be made before there was a two-year period of public education on the issue, followed by an indicative referendum. Another signal from the JLP conference is in order.
LEADERSHIP
The public expects the conference to demonstrate the JLP's continuing concern with the prevailing social conditions as well as with the state of the economy. However, the approach by the delegates to internal party elections, leadership succession and transition will be the centrepiece of attention.
The campaign for the posts of the deputy leaders, which threatened to be untidy, is maturing. Although there is no challenge for the post of Leader, the Leader has a challenge to address. The quality of the leadership given to a traditionally fractious party in the process of transition, succession and change may flash the clearest signal of all. One Love One Heart.
Dental surgeon, Dr. D.K. Duncan, is a former General Secretary and Cabinet Minister in the PNP Administration of the 1970's.
