Bling Versus Substance

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Notwithstanding the poor state of Jamaica’s education system, I sense a growing consciousness that enables Jamaicans to distinguish between “bling” and substance. Deep in our guts, we feel disenfranchised, discouraged, and alienated from decision-making on national issues affecting our lives.

Since the Andrew Holness administration’s overwhelming victories in the 2015 and 2020 elections, they boast some prominent achievements such as minimal economic growth, investment in Business Processing Outsourcing (BPOs), roadways and highways projects, robust construction industry, and a vibrant tourist industry. Yet, the RJR/Don Anderson polls show diminishing public support for the government.  In June 2022, the Jamaica Labour Party had a 16% lead; in February 2023, they were trailing by 1%; in June 2023, they were behind by 5%.  Accordingly, more Jamaicans believe that the country is going in the wrong direction and that the JLP does not deserve another term.

With all these political successes, why this diminishing support? The Holness administration has yet to engage the populace substantially in discourses on critical national issues. There is a tendency to unilaterally implement policies while ignoring the vox populi on matters related to crime and violence, the Patterson Report, the Caribbean Court of Justice, Constitutional Reform, or Portmore’s parish status. While Jamaica boasts several proactive advocacy groups, such as Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), the National Integrity Action (NIA), and the Vale Royal Talk mechanism, the government has ignored resources and mechanisms.

Is this ‘stand-offish’ approach to governance indicative of the administration’s negative perception of Jamaicans as unworthy of such dialogue or too immature to participate?  Could it be disrespect for the populace? Could it be authoritarianism clothed in democracy? Whatever it is, I sense the public is ‘fed up’ with this style of governance that disrespects people’s intelligence.

On the other hand, I am not confident that the People’s National Party will do otherwise.  Rather than engaging the populace in national discourses in town hall style meetings, as Michael Manley did after the 1983 snap election, they capitalize on the faux pas of the JLP and sometimes use words as the weapon of choice to attack personalities.

To the political directorate, I refer to the principle of subsidiarity as outlined in Catholic Social Teachings. It is a principle that recognises that what individuals can accomplish by their initiative and efforts should not be taken from them by a higher authority. Jamaica has sufficient grassroots movements and advocacy groups that should be engaged. Perhaps the political directorate ignores them because five years is just enough time for “bling” and insufficient time for substance.

Rev. Fr. Donald Chambers, JP