Erosion of state legitimacy: Corruption and organised crime
IF LEGITIMACY is about the relationship between the governed and the government and the extent to which the latter is able to secure recognition, consent and obedience from the former, then we must admit that there is a serious problem with legitimacy in Jamaica. A government bedevilled by corruption scandals cannot hope to secure voluntary compliance or obedience from its citizens. It is no wonder organised crime is such a vexing public policy issue in Jamaica.
There have been numerous allegations concerning state officials and the manner in which state contracts are awarded. These contracts are sometimes awarded to criminal dons, in garrison spaces, as a way of rewarding them for their loyalty and continuing control over such spaces. Garrisons deliver safe seats to politicians, and this has been a major bargaining chip. Unsurprisingly, one of the main challenges to enforcing criminal laws has come from these same communities. If state officials are engaged in corrupt dealing with criminal dons, why should criminals comply with our criminal laws? These are some of the narratives shared by criminal dons, ‘who are now educate to the system.’ This is why it is so important for state officials to adhere to the prescribed rules and laws that govern the conduct of individuals and institutions that carry out important duties and functions.
But make no mistake, garrisons are not the only problem. Transnational organised crime, which includes white collar crime, is a significant part of the problem. The gains from organised crime, whether involving gangs, state officials or businesses, can be used to corrupt public officials, especially those who work in an environment where opportunities for corruption exist. This has affected policing and efforts at professionalising the police force; the manner in which investigations are carried out and the outcomes of such investigations.
Although state legitimacy has been eroded by corruption, Jamaica has an independent judiciary, which has largely been insulated from corruption and politicisation. If we want this to remain, we should make every effort to enforce the law and punish violators who pose a threat to the fundamentals of our democracy. The Dudus extradition case was a clear indication of how executive power, and an already captured executive, can overreach into other areas of government.