I suppose every government has an opportunity at any time to advance the prospects of their nation, no matter how deep a rut they have worked themselves into, or how cynical the populace have become; but it seems to me that at this psychological moment, the Golding administration has a tremendous opportunity to make something of our independence and our sovereignty 45 years after the official end of colonialism. Certainly, public expectations are high for something new and different to happen. But so often in life we are teased and led on, and brought to the heights of anticipation, only to be let down and disappointed. I hope that is not going to happen this time.
The promises have been good: an end to corruption by public officials including politicians; an end to the use of excessive force by the police, which has led to notorious brutality and killings by agents of the state; the degarrisonisation of the society, especially of the inner city; an end to environmental degradation and unsustainable development; and so on. This present JLP government would not be the first to make these promises, and a certain amount of cynicism is excusable; but I am seeing some positive signs, and before the honeymoon is over, I want to offer some words of support and encouragement.
A good sign
The exposure and prosecution of corruption by members of the former PNP government is a good sign. I remember previous changes of government when there seemed to be an unwritten agreement that "we will overlook your public theft if, when you come into power, you will overlook ours". The real test of this government's anti-corruption commitment will come when someone from this JLP government is caught in corruption, and they are brought to book. I guess we will just have to wait and see.
It seems from the news reports that more policemen have been arrested and charged for corruption in the last six months than in the previous ten years. Police killings are still far too high, but the appointments of Rear Admiral Lewin and Colonel MacMillan point to a new direction. The MacMillan Report said all the right things, and if Colonel MacMillan can implement even half of its recommendations, a significant amount will have been achieved. The news is that rank-and-file policemen are apprehensive about being accountable to JDF men; this may be a good thing if their apprehension has to do with a fear of being brought to book for brutality and murder. Time will tell whether the changes are profound or only cosmetic.
One of the recommendations of the MacMillan Report was the degarrisonisation of the society, and the breaking of the link between politics and crime. Jamaica's modern political history up until now has been characterised by the creation and strengthening of links between politics and crime, and the creation of political garrisons, and when he was in the NDM, Mr Golding made an open confession about his own role in the old-style politics.
End to garrisons
The dismantling of the garrisons is in the recent JLP manifesto, and it is only right that the party that founded them should bring them to an end. But are they serious about really doing it, though? No previous JLP or PNP government has been, and if this JLP government is serious, then maybe a new chapter in Jamaica's modern political history can be opened. If not, we will just continue writing the old one, and sink deeper into underdevelopment.
I am cautiously optimistic about this government's environmental intentions. The appointments to the boards of government agencies which have to do with the environment actually have real environmentalists on them, and the Government's approach to the flagrant breaches at Mahoe Bay has been decisive and refreshing. But will things actually be different?
Demolition orders
Will the Government back down and allow Riu to keep its fourth floor (or is it a fifth floor) in the flight path of the Sangster International Airport? To my knowledge, in recent Jamaican history, few demolition orders for illegal buildings have ever been issued, and none has actually been carried out. Has this government really changed course, or will it continue the anti-environmental practices of the PNP? Will applications not responded to by NEPA within 90 days be allowed to go ahead with a presumption of approval, as Mr. Golding says? That will be a recipe for even greater environmental degradation than under the PNP. Time will tell if this golden opportunity will be just another missed opportunity.
Peter Espeut is a sociologist and an environmentalist. For feedback, email columns@gleanerjm.com.
