Stepping up to the accountability crease
Critics have long argued that a lot of the accountability mechanisms, much like a cricket team without a strong bowler, lack the necessary enforcement powers to ensure compliance. Moreover, there have been instances in which public officials, like seasoned batsmen, have seemingly danced around the rules without facing any consequence or just a slap on the wrist. This has led to a perception that politicians can swing their bats with impunity, undermining public trust in government and breaking ethical codes, much like a cricket match in which the rules are flouted
IN response to the barrage of bouncers aimed at the Government’s head due to the massive salary increase for the political class, the prime minister donned his helmet, gripped his bat, and stepped up to the crease to defend the decision.
His trusted batting partner, Nigel, who might just be the next team captain, took his stance at the non-striker’s end. They faced a relentless number of bouncers and full toss criticising them for their decisions to increase their own salaries by as much as 214 per cent, each took turns to skilfully play defensive strokes to silence the uproar from the crowd of disgruntled spectators.
The prime minister had a close call with a potential lbw (leg before wicket) dismissal when he tried to double down and deflect criticism but, under pressure with the share pace of the bowling, met with his batting partner midwicket and eventually pledged not to accept the increase.
Luckily, he was saved by a quick appeal to the third umpire requesting that he immediately implement the promised accountability framework after the increases were announced. “Let’s play the accountability strokes,” he declared to his batting partner, sometimes with a touch of arrogance, as he defended his wicket. Ball after ball, he played a series of late cuts — job descriptions, codes of conduct, financial penalties, and training for Members of Parliament — all in the name of accountability.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOVERNANCE
Accountability is the cornerstone of good governance, the cricketing equivalent of a solid defence. It ensures that public officials, like batsmen, are answerable for their actions and decisions and that they operate within the confines of the laws of the game and ethical standards.
In the high-stakes game of governance, accountability frameworks are the metaphor- ical fielders, ready to catch any missteps of public officials, ensuring they uphold the principles of transparency, integrity, and responsibility. However, in the Jamaican match, there’s a growing concern that these fielders have dropped their catches too often, leaving the accountability framework chasing after the ball, rather than taking decisive catches. This butterfingers scenario suggests that the mechanisms in place to hold public officials accountable are not as effective as they should be, raising questions about the strength and efficacy of Jamaica’s accountability team.
Critics have long argued that a lot of the accountability mechanisms, much like a cricket team without a strong bowler, lack the necessary enforcement powers to ensure compliance. Moreover, there have been instances in which public officials, like seasoned batsmen, have seemingly danced around the rules without facing any consequence or just a slap on the wrist. This has led to a perception that politicians can swing their bats with impunity, undermining public trust in government and breaking ethical codes, much like a cricket match in which the rules are flouted.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of an accountability framework is not solely determined by its enforcement powers, just as a cricket match isn’t won by a strong bowler alone. Public awareness and engagement are also crucial. The more the public is informed about the actions of politicians, and the more they demand accountability, the stronger the fielding of these metaphorical cricket teams becomes. It’s like having a crowd that’s not just watching the game, but also calling out the no-balls and wides.
In the grand cricket match of governance, several teams have shown how the game of accountability should be played when accountability frameworks are taken seriously:
The UK has a Ministerial Code, a rulebook of sorts, which sets out the standards of conduct expected of ministers. In 2017, Michael Fallon, akin to a player stepping over the line, had to walk back to the pavilion, resigning from his position as defence secretary following allegations of inappropriate conduct, which were considered a breach of the code.
In Canada, the Conflict of Interest Act serves as an umpire, calling out foul play among public office holders. In 2019, the ethics commissioner found that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had played a shot that was against the rules, violating the Act by improperly attempting to influence a criminal proceeding. While Trudeau did not lose his place in the team, the incident resulted in significant political fallout.
Australia has a Statement of Ministerial Standards, a kind of team policy that sets out the standards expected of ministers. In 2018, Barnaby Joyce, like a player not adhering to the team’s code of conduct, had to hang up his gloves as deputy prime minister following a scandal that was seen as a breach of these standards.
The impeachment process in the US serves as a third umpire, a form of accountability for high-ranking officials, including the president. In 2019, we all witnessed President Donald Trump being given a red card by the House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, though he was later allowed back on the field by the Senate.
In South Korea, the impeachment process serves as a match referee, ensuring accountability for high-ranking officials. In 2017, President Park Geun-hye was given an early shower, impeached and removed from office following a corruption scandal.
It’s high time that the Government of Jamaica (present and future) steps up to the crease and takes the accountability game seriously. Just as in cricket, where the rules of the game are upheld with the highest integrity, the same should apply in the arena of governance. The systems in place should meet the test of the highest integrity, ensuring that every political player is held to account for their actions.
Just as a cricket match without rules and fair play descends into chaos, so too does a Government without robust accountability mechanisms. It’s time to ensure that our accountability frameworks are not just ornamental and ‘gummy’ but have the teeth to bite and the power to enforce.
And, just as in cricket, where a player who breaks the rules is sent off the field, so too should politicians who breach the standards of conduct be made to walk from their wickets into the stands. It’s time we see those who break the rules face the consequences of their actions, reinforcing the principle that no player, no matter how powerful, is above the game.
In the end, the game of governance, like cricket, is not just about winning. Let me repeat, it is not just about winning, it’s about how the game is played, the values it upholds, and the example it sets for future generations. So, let’s play the accountability game with the spirit it deserves.
Henry Lewis Jr is a PHD candidate, a social scientist, and an executive life coach. He lectures at University of Technology, Jamaica, in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or hjlewis@utech.edu.jm.