Dear Editor,
We note with concern the furore over the removal of the Energy Monitoring Committee (EMC). However many have missed the point and wider picture.
To begin, within the context of the the Partnership For Jamaica agreement [http://jis.gov.jm/media/PFJ-Agreement-final2_2013July31.pdf] isn't the removal of the EMC a breach of the signed document of which the Private Sector Of Jamaica (PSOJ) is a signatory? Let us examine this in a very simple and pragmatic way.
The agreement's guidelines seek to:
a) deepen the process of participatory decision-making: by recognising that no one sector has all the answers, and, reaffirming the commitment to the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) Code of Consultation which recognises that better development decisions result from an inclusive and consultative approach.
b) engender trust and confidence: by building the partnership process and the ownership by the wider society of national development plans and goals, through ongoing dialogue and agreed actions based on mutual respect and a commitment to genuine cooperation, meaningful consultation and honest communication.
c) exhibit effective leadership: by providing the will, courage and maturity, within partner organisations and collectively within the Partnership, and through effective communication and consultation with the broader society, to make and carry out necessary decisions in the best long term interests of the nation and the widest cross section of Jamaicans d) perform critical problem-solving: by drawing on the wealth of information,experience, expertise, insight and other resources within the Partnership, in the wider society, and the Jamaican Diaspora, to champion workable solutions to national development challenges and to provide the requisite focus, discipline and accountability in executing work plans to successful completion. (refer page 4 of the agreement).
Specifically for energy diversification and conservation (refer page11), the agreement says:
"In recognition of Jamaica's high energy cost and tropical climate, and in light of ongoing improvements in renewable technology, the Partners commit to a national thrust, led by the Partners, focused on commercial, residential and government users, toward the use of solar and other forms of renewable energy as a visible plank in Jamaica's energy diversification efforts..."
Is the GOJ, therefore, in breach? Not really. However, what is happening here is a misunderstanding of each other's role. Further, this type of misunderstanding leads to a lack of trust that causes social partnerships, like Partnership For Jamaica, to collapse.
We recommend that the National Partnership Council, and with extension its secretariat (refer pages 12-13), needs to be more proactive here and not reactive as the perception in Jamaica is that they have become moribund.
Charles Demontaque, PhD
Stafford University
United Kingdom
charlesdemontaque@yahoo.co.uk
Is the GOJ in breach?
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We note with concern the furore over the removal of the Energy Monitoring Committee (EMC). However many have missed the point and wider picture.
To begin, within the context of the the Partnership For Jamaica agreement [http://jis.gov.jm/media/PFJ-Agreement-final2_2013July31.pdf] isn't the removal of the EMC a breach of the signed document of which the Private Sector Of Jamaica (PSOJ) is a signatory? Let us examine this in a very simple and pragmatic way.
The agreement's guidelines seek to:
a) deepen the process of participatory decision-making: by recognising that no one sector has all the answers, and, reaffirming the commitment to the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) Code of Consultation which recognises that better development decisions result from an inclusive and consultative approach.
b) engender trust and confidence: by building the partnership process and the ownership by the wider society of national development plans and goals, through ongoing dialogue and agreed actions based on mutual respect and a commitment to genuine cooperation, meaningful consultation and honest communication.
c) exhibit effective leadership: by providing the will, courage and maturity, within partner organisations and collectively within the Partnership, and through effective communication and consultation with the broader society, to make and carry out necessary decisions in the best long term interests of the nation and the widest cross section of Jamaicans d) perform critical problem-solving: by drawing on the wealth of information,experience, expertise, insight and other resources within the Partnership, in the wider society, and the Jamaican Diaspora, to champion workable solutions to national development challenges and to provide the requisite focus, discipline and accountability in executing work plans to successful completion. (refer page 4 of the agreement).
Specifically for energy diversification and conservation (refer page11), the agreement says:
"In recognition of Jamaica's high energy cost and tropical climate, and in light of ongoing improvements in renewable technology, the Partners commit to a national thrust, led by the Partners, focused on commercial, residential and government users, toward the use of solar and other forms of renewable energy as a visible plank in Jamaica's energy diversification efforts..."
Is the GOJ, therefore, in breach? Not really. However, what is happening here is a misunderstanding of each other's role. Further, this type of misunderstanding leads to a lack of trust that causes social partnerships, like Partnership For Jamaica, to collapse.
We recommend that the National Partnership Council, and with extension its secretariat (refer pages 12-13), needs to be more proactive here and not reactive as the perception in Jamaica is that they have become moribund.
Charles Demontaque, PhD
Stafford University
United Kingdom
charlesdemontaque@yahoo.co.uk
Is the GOJ in breach?
-->