Dear Editor,
It is of great concern to me the state of affairs in governance and politics in our country today. It is evident that the change that has been touted — a change which many of us were foolish enough to think would come — is yet a pipe dream.
Without change at the core of the Jamaican political system, in which there must be zero tolerance for corruption and we must pursue the dismantling of garrisons and vanquishing of their dons, Jamaica will not see an end to the wanton and entrenched corruption we have been experiencing over the years. Mark you, the corruption is not new to us at all, it is just that more is being revealed and we are getting a clearer understanding of how deep it runs.
The revelation of what has been transpiring in our parish councils, for example, goes to show the scant regard for law, honesty and integrity by those whom we have entrusted the responsibilities and duties to uphold same. It’s a shame! It bears heavily on my mind to think that those found responsible will not be locked up in jail. The most that will happen is that they will make newspaper headlines, be the hot topic on talk radio, investigated less than thoroughly, and then have their deeds eventually swept under the thick-with-dust, putrid carpet of corruption. Probably a clerk or someone low on the totem pole will be the scapegoat to appease the gods.
Hustling and scamming runs throughout every strata of Jamaican society these days, and there is no shamefulness or dishonour. A complete change of the political vanguard is needed in Jamaica if we are to truly see a change. This change will see to the meticulous management of our resources, full and proper accountability and real transparency. There are simply too many backs to scratch; too many deep, dark secrets between politicians and criminal elements; and too many hands in the cookie jar, for the current cadre of politicians to seriously tackle the scourge of corruption head-on. The fact of the matter is that outrightly stomping out corruption is just not financially beneficial to them and it will diminish their control over the crime-ridden, poverty-stricken, inner-city communities.
But where, O where is a group of fearless Jamaicans with the mettle, humility, soundness of mind and vision to lead a people in a better direction? The people yearn for change, but there is no option besides the two deeply corrupt political parties we’ve had since our Independence. The one-seat-contesting third parties will not work so I will not waste time and space to mention them further. They have altogether failed the people.
Until this change is realised the stench of corruption will only worsen. Our prime minister stated that his Government will be spending a lot more on crime fighting, but I would like him to know that without an utter wiping out of corruption, in both central and local government, no amount of money will bring down crime in Jamaica.
The need for change is critical and must be realised if Jamaica, land we love, is ever to see better days.
Derville Lowe
Kingston 8
drvlllowe@yahoo.com
It is of great concern to me the state of affairs in governance and politics in our country today. It is evident that the change that has been touted — a change which many of us were foolish enough to think would come — is yet a pipe dream.
Without change at the core of the Jamaican political system, in which there must be zero tolerance for corruption and we must pursue the dismantling of garrisons and vanquishing of their dons, Jamaica will not see an end to the wanton and entrenched corruption we have been experiencing over the years. Mark you, the corruption is not new to us at all, it is just that more is being revealed and we are getting a clearer understanding of how deep it runs.
The revelation of what has been transpiring in our parish councils, for example, goes to show the scant regard for law, honesty and integrity by those whom we have entrusted the responsibilities and duties to uphold same. It’s a shame! It bears heavily on my mind to think that those found responsible will not be locked up in jail. The most that will happen is that they will make newspaper headlines, be the hot topic on talk radio, investigated less than thoroughly, and then have their deeds eventually swept under the thick-with-dust, putrid carpet of corruption. Probably a clerk or someone low on the totem pole will be the scapegoat to appease the gods.
Hustling and scamming runs throughout every strata of Jamaican society these days, and there is no shamefulness or dishonour. A complete change of the political vanguard is needed in Jamaica if we are to truly see a change. This change will see to the meticulous management of our resources, full and proper accountability and real transparency. There are simply too many backs to scratch; too many deep, dark secrets between politicians and criminal elements; and too many hands in the cookie jar, for the current cadre of politicians to seriously tackle the scourge of corruption head-on. The fact of the matter is that outrightly stomping out corruption is just not financially beneficial to them and it will diminish their control over the crime-ridden, poverty-stricken, inner-city communities.
But where, O where is a group of fearless Jamaicans with the mettle, humility, soundness of mind and vision to lead a people in a better direction? The people yearn for change, but there is no option besides the two deeply corrupt political parties we’ve had since our Independence. The one-seat-contesting third parties will not work so I will not waste time and space to mention them further. They have altogether failed the people.
Until this change is realised the stench of corruption will only worsen. Our prime minister stated that his Government will be spending a lot more on crime fighting, but I would like him to know that without an utter wiping out of corruption, in both central and local government, no amount of money will bring down crime in Jamaica.
The need for change is critical and must be realised if Jamaica, land we love, is ever to see better days.
Derville Lowe
Kingston 8
drvlllowe@yahoo.com