One love, one family – really!

THE EDITOR, Sir:

MARK RICKETTS’ article, ‘Petrojam’s failure is Jamaica’s weakness’ (The Gleaner, July 15, 2018) is a proper treatment of the matters concerning the nation’s oil refinery. It describes the prime minister’s trivial handling of the issue when compared to the significance of the institution. The article was forceful against the current corruption in the public sector not just under the existing government, but as a tradition practised by both political parties. Most importantly, Mr Rickett’s critique on the role of garrison and tribal politics certainly questions this year’s slogan for the independence celebrations: ‘One love ... one family’.

The continued role of nepotism over merit has contributed in a most significant way to the failure of many state-led agencies in this country, thus contributing to its continued underdevelopment.

The history of this country is grounded in corruption, cronyism and nepotism. It is not just today; at the turn of the 20th century , many educated black Jamaicans had to migrate to seek opportunities. Qualified Jamaicans excelled abroad because there are an abundance of opportunities, and because they will not be asked about their political affiliation.

NEW THINKING NEEDED

The time has come to initiate and stimulate new thinking in politics, administration, and development.

Only a system characterised by meritocracy can take Jamaica forward. The present political parties have not shown that they have the capacity to transform themselves.

Given the situation, there can be no real and truthful celebration this year under the slogan ‘One love ... one family’. It is a good dream and a goal we must strive for. LOUIS E.A. MOYSTON, PhD thearvhives01@yahoo.com