Thompson
THE EDITOR, Sir:
HOW IS it that in a country like Jamaica where religion plays such a central role in the lives of most citizens, the suggestion of our new Prime Minister to have members of the religious community serve on state boards has become such a major issue? How did this well-meaning announcement by the Prime Minister an announcement that was clearly motivated by a sincere desire to ensure probity, transparency and accountability manage to evoke such a phenomenal outpouring of warnings, cautions and predictions of doom? Isn't this a clear indication that we Jamaicans have mastered the art of creating a crisis out of anything and everything?
SUBJECT OF EDITORIALS
I was present at the installation ceremony for Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, as were 10,000 others. I was certain that the substance of the affair and the content of her wide-ranging maiden address as Jamaica's first female Head of Government would have been the subject of editorials, talk shows, newspaper articles and academic discussions for weeks following the stellar event. But we needed a crisis, and since there was none involving the Prime Minister, we had to create one!
That the leader of the Govern-ment of Jamaica could have expressed her belief in a Sovereign God is refreshing and ought to serve as the rallying point from where we all pledge to join her in rebuilding this land. That she would like to see a higher level of involvement of any group of citizens as we embark on that rebuilding process ought to be reason for celebration.
I did not understand the Prime Minister to be saying that any one board should have several religious persons, or even that a person of faith had to be the chair of the board. So, the fear and frenzy are unfounded. Besides, the population of religious persons in Jamaica would already dictate that one such person on each board is a statistical guarantee.
UNFORTUNATE
Some persons argue as though there is something to be feared about having persons of faith involved in the decision-making process. I have not heard such fears expressed about ruthless area dons, unreasonable community leaders or individuals with direct gang connections who presently serve in very high places in this country. The crisis which many are trying to create in this matter of decent citizens serving their country is unfortunate.
Just what is it that qualifies persons to sit on State boards, anyway? And where did the misguided notion originate that persons of faith are experts only at waving Bibles, leading prayer vigils, speaking in tongues and singing sankeys, business, culture, community development, refinement and human rights. Several persons of faith already serve on boards in this country and the connected institutions are better off for their services. But these persons serve quietly and effectively without wearing their religion on their sleeves. State boards can only benefit from the services of such persons.
I am, etc.,
HEBERT THOMPSON
President
Northern Caribbean University,
Mandeville
