I have been asking questions about what elected members of parliament think their job description is, but an answer has not been forthcoming. I would love to hear from anyone who has an idea of what their job description is to let us all know.
I keep hearing that they are offering themselves to lead the people, but leading them where and with what?
In my mind, representation is different from leadership, because to represent means to be chosen by the group to be a voice for them. Representatives are required to listen and evaluate everything coming from the areas they represent, and make representation at the level of the State to correct, enhance and implement solutions to issues affecting everyone.
Additionally, as political representatives, their job is to make available solutions using State resources, not their personal resources, having heard the voice of the people. These are collective resources made available from the proceeds of taxes and fees we all pay to the State. And if there was any confusion about the purpose of the taxes I pay, they are to serve my needs, not political agendas or enhance careers of politicians.
Leaders, on the other hand, are those who have earned the trust of people who choose to follow them. People choose leaders after they have demonstrated an ability to overcome challenges with understanding, empathy, integrity, and intellect. As in battle, no one would follow someone who is not able to protect them physically. As in battle, leaders need to be clear in what to do to protect those who have chosen them as leaders.
Representatives can become leaders, but leaders are not necessarily representatives.
I hope that this new year, those choosing to become representatives of Jamaicans recognise that we have had a poor showing of leadership among representatives since the days of universal adult suffrage, and in order for us to choose them, we need to know what they know, and who they are. They must demonstrate trustworthiness and ethical behaviour in addition to the capability to manage things on behalf of my fellow Jamaicans.
We could just cut out this confusion between leaders and representatives if those who want to lead, before becoming representatives, would present us, the constituents, with their job description as members of parliament. I would love that.
At this stage of Jamaica as an independent nation, I need to know what to expect.
I keep hearing that they are offering themselves to lead the people, but leading them where and with what?
In my mind, representation is different from leadership, because to represent means to be chosen by the group to be a voice for them. Representatives are required to listen and evaluate everything coming from the areas they represent, and make representation at the level of the State to correct, enhance and implement solutions to issues affecting everyone.
Additionally, as political representatives, their job is to make available solutions using State resources, not their personal resources, having heard the voice of the people. These are collective resources made available from the proceeds of taxes and fees we all pay to the State. And if there was any confusion about the purpose of the taxes I pay, they are to serve my needs, not political agendas or enhance careers of politicians.
Leaders, on the other hand, are those who have earned the trust of people who choose to follow them. People choose leaders after they have demonstrated an ability to overcome challenges with understanding, empathy, integrity, and intellect. As in battle, no one would follow someone who is not able to protect them physically. As in battle, leaders need to be clear in what to do to protect those who have chosen them as leaders.
Representatives can become leaders, but leaders are not necessarily representatives.
I hope that this new year, those choosing to become representatives of Jamaicans recognise that we have had a poor showing of leadership among representatives since the days of universal adult suffrage, and in order for us to choose them, we need to know what they know, and who they are. They must demonstrate trustworthiness and ethical behaviour in addition to the capability to manage things on behalf of my fellow Jamaicans.
We could just cut out this confusion between leaders and representatives if those who want to lead, before becoming representatives, would present us, the constituents, with their job description as members of parliament. I would love that.
At this stage of Jamaica as an independent nation, I need to know what to expect.