How loyalty to party and leader has hurt Jamaica

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

After 50 years, and as much as we would like to think otherwise, Jamaica is, in several respects, worse off than it was at the time of Independence in 1962.

This is certainly true in the areas of crime, economic growth, per capita income, and education. Almost all of the decline or failure are due to bad politics, with both of our major political parties guilty of poor administration, corruption and mismanagement, especially in the handling of the national debt, unemployment and the depreciation of the Jamaican dollar.

The symptoms are manifested in corruption, differing political philosophies, incompetence, dishonesty to the public, and political partisanship as a means of distributing scarce benefits. Underlying all of this is entrenched tribalism which destroys the possibility of political management dedicated to the national interest.

The paranoia about loyalty manifests itself in two perverse ways: as "inter-party political tribalism" where Labourites and Socialists do not work together and as "intra-party personality cultism" where there is no trust between factions loyal to different political personalities.

These twin afflictions of party leaders/prime ministers undermine competence in public service. First, by excluding from eligibility all those not connected to the ruling party and second, by favouring those expressly loyal to the party leader. This further narrows the already limited pool of talent willing to enter the political arena.

Intra-party political cultism promotes loyalty over skill in selecting Cabinet members and appointing persons to important posts, eg chairmen of boards. The obsession with loyalty goes even further to decide which party members get what. Who can forget the internecine warfare between Messrs Robert Lightbourne, Wilton Hill and Edward Seaga in the late 1960s.

Today, Prime Minister Simpson Miller's Cabinet is loaded with loyalists and a marked absence of persons who supported Dr Peter Phillips, despite their contribution to the successful election campaign.

If the person is a loyalist who is in need of an income or pension, then skill and experience become irrelevant. Note the number of Cabinet ministers who become high commissioners or heads of institutions. We will not, in this space, call names, in order not to embarrass anyone.

Loyalty can be a virtue, but in a poor, developing country like Jamaica, it is unforgivable that loyalty to the leader and need for income have always proven to be more important than skill and capacity for service in the selection of Cabinets. It is especially egregious when it is the only attribute.

As we go forward into the next half century of nationhood, we hope that persons named to the Cabinet will be selected on merit. This means their appointment must be based on their proven capacity, relevant experience, knowledge of the portfolio subject, and demonstrated managerial skill. Given that choice is largely restricted to those elected to the House, it may not be possible to satisfy all the desired criteria but at least one.

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COMMENTS (8)

Chipmunk L.
2/24/2012

This has to be the best assessment of political curry favouring done. The article has touched every aspect of what has caused Jamaica to struggle through the years. It is frustrating to sit and watch the same backward attempt by both parties rehashing failed policies.
Jamaica needs progressive engagement from younger participants in the political arena who will try fresh ideas. The old tired ideas have already failed us. It's time to improve our standard of life in Jamaica.

Norman Lee
2/23/2012

Past performance is no indication for future economic performance. Still, after 50 years there is no statute to hold persons accountable "poor administration, corruption and mismanagement, especially in the handling of the national debt, unemployment and the depreciation of the Jamaican dollar".These are the only areas of "good" performance! Recently, in France an ex-president was duly convicted for corruption; JA needs this procedure. It is a travesty for such persons to just "go away"!

Ras Benji
2/22/2012

Greed and Corruption has crept up the social and economic ladder, and is now lapping at the top-most rung. Such a sad reality. Nejeeper KNG, excellent comment!
One Love!

Nejeeper KNG
2/22/2012

Thank you for this objective perspective. Most of us local and the Diaspora are very concerned about the future of JA, we are aware of the rampant corruption. There are groups of people in JA who are well connected and powerful. Their income and lifestyle doesn’t reflect a Third World Economy. They believe that as long as they can maintain their lifestyle; the country is doing well. Their conscience allows them to ignore the reality that they have failed the people who need them the most. Cont..

Nejeeper KNG
2/22/2012

…The love I have for JA is unconditional, I am proud to be a Jamaican regardless of the destruction and divisions that politic have created. The British left JA in a healthy economic state; and we squandered our resources. Why regardless of mismanagement and corruption it is still a “WIN WIN” situation for politicians? The country have been robbed and plundered and there are many who are still plundering. Patriotism is not overrated; it is underrated in JA; no loyalty for country and people.

robert heath
2/22/2012

No Mr Editor I disagree this loyalty argument was brought to fore by the supporters of Mr Golding when they demonised Mr Seaga and unceremonise threw him out of the party removing anyone who did not pledge allegiance to Mr Golding... we saw in the Manatt saga when it was brought to an art form. This style of leadership was continued by Mr Holness. Now that it is labelled as a failed style of leadership the PNP is woven within its fabric

christopher Isaacs
2/22/2012

I do not agree entirely with you Observer that loyalty to leaders especially by cabinet members has impacted our country negatively. Party loyalty has indeed impacted us negatively especially where the PNP is concerned. Peter Phillips has succumb to his selfishness and has effectively kicked his loyalists into the political wilderness, most of them have been scapegoated into political oblivion whilst Peter now perches, effectively second in command to a person he previously thought not worthy.

Adam Godson
2/22/2012

This editorial,especially the 1st 3 paragraphs, reflects views often expressed by Wilmot Perkins.
Careful Mr/Ms editorial writer. You are likely to be accused,as was Mr Perkins, of being negative,and colonial in your thinking.
It matters not to those who would accuse you(as they did Mr perkins) that there is truth in the assertion that we are in many respects worse of now,than we were at the beginning of our independence.

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How loyalty to party and leader has hurt Jamaica