Dear Editor,
A recent Observer editorial suggested a number of things that voters should use the upcoming election to "bargain for".
My suggestion is that all who are committed to Jamaica should use all opportunities, including the statistical dead heat between the major political parties, to demand a number of changes in the "way we do politics and governance". And we must take responsibility for ensuring that they are effected and maintained well beyond this election.
For example, we should end the practice of politicians making grand announcements about how much money has been or will be spent in this ministry or community, etc -- unless it is to strictly and accurately account for taxpayers' funds spent on achieving or completing specific projects or objectives.
This is especially important in an atmosphere that is so pungent with the "smell and suspicion of corruption", and where so often major contracts are given out and funds paid to individuals of questionable competence but are said to be 'connected'.
Political incumbents must begin to speak clearly and sincerely about their visions, aims and objectives, with the knowledge that intelligent Jamaicans will understand and appreciate even lofty and ambitious dreams and visions, but will hold them accountable and responsible for their words and actions.
Politicians and public officials must be sensible enough to not allow media and others to "draw them out", or provoke them into speaking (or being silent) out of turn about what they can or will do, or not.
Media professionals and civil society must continue being alert, strident, responsible, and fair in doing their jobs, for which, as a society, we also hold them and ourselves accountable.
Carlton A Gordon
Kingston 10
carltongor@gmail.com
Let's change how we do governance (politics)
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A recent Observer editorial suggested a number of things that voters should use the upcoming election to "bargain for".
My suggestion is that all who are committed to Jamaica should use all opportunities, including the statistical dead heat between the major political parties, to demand a number of changes in the "way we do politics and governance". And we must take responsibility for ensuring that they are effected and maintained well beyond this election.
For example, we should end the practice of politicians making grand announcements about how much money has been or will be spent in this ministry or community, etc -- unless it is to strictly and accurately account for taxpayers' funds spent on achieving or completing specific projects or objectives.
This is especially important in an atmosphere that is so pungent with the "smell and suspicion of corruption", and where so often major contracts are given out and funds paid to individuals of questionable competence but are said to be 'connected'.
Political incumbents must begin to speak clearly and sincerely about their visions, aims and objectives, with the knowledge that intelligent Jamaicans will understand and appreciate even lofty and ambitious dreams and visions, but will hold them accountable and responsible for their words and actions.
Politicians and public officials must be sensible enough to not allow media and others to "draw them out", or provoke them into speaking (or being silent) out of turn about what they can or will do, or not.
Media professionals and civil society must continue being alert, strident, responsible, and fair in doing their jobs, for which, as a society, we also hold them and ourselves accountable.
Carlton A Gordon
Kingston 10
carltongor@gmail.com
Let's change how we do governance (politics)
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