Jamaica’s bromance with Israel is misguided
IN A letter to The Gleaner on January 23, six civic organisations called for our government to support South Africa’s case against Israel.
That letter was clear in demonstrating the strong moral and humanitarian position of Jamaica’s civil society. It is encouraging and uplifting that our populace remains committed to the rule of law and to the value of human life, regardless of race, religion, nationality or creed.
In their letter the organisations stated “Jamaica’s historical legacy includes heroic individuals who fearlessly fought against injustice and the oppression of people here and abroad, and have promoted and defended human rights and justice for all.” These civic organisations should be saluted and are to be considered part of “Jamaica’s historical legacy” and as “heroic individuals”.
We, and even they, may not now appreciate the value of their contribution and voices. However, history will prove them to be Jamaicans who saved dignity for our island nation in the face of an administration devoid of morality and humanity when it concerns the lives of Palestinians.
Despite the International Court of Justice ruling that some of the allegations of which South Africa “are seeking protection are plausible” – this administration continues to be blind, deaf and dumb. Not even the over fifty nations which joined South Africa’s application, including other CARICOM nations and Belgium (itself a one-time perpetrator of genocide), seems to have moved the administration to take a moral position. The mere fact that a traditionally white European country which once perpetrated genocide against Africans could take a moral stand and Jamaica remain silent is an utter embarrassment to our nation.
South Africa’s UN representative Masotsha Mnguni reached out to other nations for expressions of support for their case that Israel is acting contrary to its obligations in terms of the Genocide Convention. Mnguni said that “Owing to South Africa’s painful past experience of the system of apartheid, this impresses on us as member states to take action in accordance with international law”. Despite this, the Jamaica Labour Party administration in a morally bankrupt manner did not see fit to support the South Africans who we defended against the apartheid system perpetrated against them. What a disgrace to the people of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s memory.
OUT OF TOUCH
The diametrically opposite positions of this administration and our civil society on the Palestinian issue are indicative of a political directorate out of touch with the populace, insensitive to humanity and the Jamaican people. We now have an administration that on the international stage portrays an image of Jamaica which is not reflective of our true national moral psyche.
Indicative of the insensitivity of this administration and the contempt for which it holds the populace is a recent social media post in which our prime minister, while in Washington, DC, recently, was photographed with a former captain of the Israeli army (IDF). The photograph had our prime minister admiringly pointing with the “dis a di man” finger. The photograph posted on the former captain’s LinkedIn page was captioned “... excited about the blossoming business possibilities and potential collaborations ahead!”. This former captain stated that he has recently served for a month and a half in the Israeli reserves in Gaza. One does not require a great deal of imagination as to what that entails. Our country should not deepen ties with persons engaged in the “plausible” genocide taking place.
With yet another budding bromance with former captain in the Israeli army, we Jamaicans are again forced to ask our prime minister questions.
What precisely are these “blossoming business possibilities and potential collaborations ahead?” Are these blossoming business possibilities and potential collaborations with the Israeli government or with private Israeli citizens? What are the benefits to Jamaica of these “business possibilities and potential collaborations?” Do these collaborations involve the EOJ, NIDS or security arrangements? Why the failure to disclose the details and nature of the agreement involving the EOJ? Why is the office of the political ombudsman being subsumed under the ECJ? And why the rush?
SACRIFICE REPUTATION
Importantly, given the public outcry as to the administration’s apparent changed position on apartheid and human rights and the genocide against the Palestinians, are these business possibilities and potential collaborations of such benefit to Jamaica that we would sacrifice our reputation, morality and humanity?
If the prime minister, aided and abetted by a foreign minister who is more form than substance, is selling our soul for some benefit, then we are entitled to know the details, arrangements and recipients of these benefits. The foreign minister’s tepid and disingenuous statement on the ICJ ruling, in which she attempted to navigate from the damaging aspects on the court’s ruling against Israel, leaves no doubt as to the administration’s fear in criticising Israel.
Jamaican elections have traditionally not been largely affected by the foreign policy of its government. However, we continue to mature on these geopolitical and human rights issues. This issue may well influence elections.
Brogad, the prime minister from Spanish Town, who claims to be of and in touch with the people, may well be losing touch with them. Is it too late for him to reverse his position?
Perhaps the advice of his mentor, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, should be heeded. It is time he “light a candle, sing a Sankey, and find his way back home”.