The stench of corruption
I’M NOT going to lambast Mr Ruel Reid, because the allegations against him are still under investigation. However, there’s a much bigger, far more serious and far more important and endemic problem that we need to pay attention to. It has to do with the widespread perception of rampant corruption among our politicians.
I do not believe that all politicians are corrupt. However, polls and research have consistently shown that people believe that they are the number one set of corrupt individuals anywhere. People believe that they are more corrupt than the police, and more than any other professional group.
PERCEPTIONS
In the case of Mr Reid, the perception is that he was a novice and therefore not adequately schooled in how to carry out corrupt practices, so he got caught. It is believed that the more seasoned and more ‘experienced’ politicians are far wilier and would have evaded detection or ensured protection (insulated themselves with intricate, covert transactions and with layers of complicit co-conspirators).
Corruption among politicians is worldwide. I’m still trying to come to terms with why politicians in China become corrupt. I can’t fathom how greed, within such a regimented society, can entice some politicians to steal state funds and/or property when the punishment for such acts is summary execution and disgrace for generations to come. Yet, there is still corruption among some politicians in China and, every now and then, we see where a bunch of them is tried, always found guilty, and then executed.
I postulate that greed is not the sole reason for corruption among politicians. It’s probably the lure of the kind of power that enables them to get away with some corrupt acts. Perhaps the privilege of being a politician brings with it the feeling that they deserve more than they are getting. Sure, they are supposed to be servants of the people, but, looking at the adulation that some give them, I often wonder who is serving who.
SOME ARE GENUINE
Generally, Jamaicans believe that the reason for political rivalry is the acquisition and control of ‘scarce spoils’. Most people genuinely believe that most politicians only want to steal what they can, when they can, so they take turns doing just that.
Many believe that seeing about the nation’s business is not the main reason for becoming a politician; it is the ability to gain access to money and privilege. Many citizens feel that politicians feather their nests as soon as they enter the political arena. I’m not convinced that things are that bad.
I know some politicians, so I know that the perception of corruption among them is inaccurate. Some are genuine and sacrifice a lot in order to serve Jamaica.
Sadly, many believe that politicians do unethical things to become wealthy and, because they are privileged, they are not usually made to answer for their wrongs.
I don’t believe that corruption is confined to money matters. As a privileged and often-revered set of individuals, politicians are given a pass for many transgressions and they can access favours in cash and kind.
Greed is a factor in the complicity of others who assist corrupt politicians; but fear of reprisals for jobs and opportunities, fear of violence and fear of being ostracised cause many to turn a blind eye, not report, facilitate or even assist crooked politicians.
When the ruin of a churchman, statesman, educator, transformer of a popular high school, respected and trusted politician like Ruel Reid occurs, the public asks, “Wah seh di rest ah dem?”The reek from one affects every single politician. They need to do whatever is necessary to change the negative public perception. We want to be able to trust our leaders.