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Who's sorry now?
Jean Lowrie-Chin
Monday, November 19, 2007
WE have to admit that it takes a good deal of courage to offer oneself for public office. We should remember that the great leaders we so revere, Alexander Bustamante, Norman Manley, Winston Churchill, Jawaharlal Nehru, Julius 'Mwalimu' Nyerere, were all politicians. Those of us with long memories will remember the brickbats borne by both Busta and Norman during their vigorous campaigns.
Lady Bustamante's Memoirs and Rachel Manley's Drumblair not only record the struggles of these two extraordinary leaders but the loving, supportive circles in which they moved. As thuggery became a part of our political reality, even people in the same political party grew unsure of whom to trust. In conversations with politicians from both sides, they speak of being strangely lonely even as they are constantly surrounded by fans and hangers-on. They grow to cherish even more a trusted spouse and other family members, people they can count on to be as frank as they are loyal.
The breakdown of the family must surely have had its effect on the individuals who have entered politics in recent years. Just as private sector employers are seeing applicants well-armed with myriad degrees and absolutely no knowledge of basic home-grown morals and mores, today's wannabe politicians could be suffering from some serious gaps in their upbringing.
Well aware of these realities and the heady effect of power, the more mature heads in politics should have developed a thoughtful, compassionate mentorship programme for these promising young leaders. The 'school for politicians' begins with the youth arms, where individuals are trained in the art of politics, and having moved through the ranks, emerge as the new 'flavour of the month'. What a dizzying experience!
Suddenly you are either junior minister, senator or government spokesperson. Photographers and reporters are in hot pursuit and you see yourself on television, hear yourself on radio and have scrapbooks filled with photographs of your wonderful self.
There is a saying, "be careful that you start believing your own PR. Politicians (as well as those who find themselves on top of the corporate pile) really need a solid circle to keep them grounded in reality, lest they become drunk on their own power. My friend Dr Tony Vendryes likes to remind us that "ego" is an acronym for "Edging God Out". People surrounded by yes-men and sycophants will morph into little gods, thinking themselves answerable to no man.
Call me a sop, but I have been very saddened by the recent reports on the light bulb and Trafigura issues. One matter is now in the hands of the police, so we are not hazarding any judgment. Suffice it to say that bright young men who could have been great hopes for Jamaica are now facing crises in their political careers. For most of their adult lives they have belonged to a political party that has enjoyed victory after victory. Did the older heads in the party tell them about those tough days when they had to taste the bitter gall of defeat? How much coaching did our young politicians get in ethics and due process?
The more mature heads in both political parties have a responsibility to the young people whom they have courted into their folds. In them are the hopes and dreams, not merely of party, but of country. From them we want to make new Florizel Glasspoles, Hugh Shearers, Rose Leons and other sterling leaders of pre- and post-independence.
The words 'smart' and 'clever' have become devalued, said in grudging admiration of people who have done well but acted unfairly. I feel excruciatingly embarrassed when expatriates are heard criticising the corrupt practices of some Jamaicans. They are aghast at what some of us have not only accepted as common practice, but as 'clever' moves.
It has been said that for every politician being publicly hauled over the coals, there are other Jamaicans in both the private and public sectors trotting around, nose in the air, their own sordid secrets well hidden. This light bulb debacle should be a signal that the country is not going to settle for "business as usual". No doubt the PNP opposition will be watching the JLP government to find a similar chink it their armour. Jamaica should be cheering, "Bring it on! Let them watch each other and make us honest once more!"
Dr Henley Morgan gave us a fascinating column last week, analysing the ebb and flow of murder statistics under succeeding Commissioners of Police, acknowledging that there was a 16 per cent reduction in murders under Lucius Thomas' watch, and calling for greater accountability from the next commissioner. He cited the example of New York City Police Chief of the '90s William Bratton who, without a budget increase, "turned New York from the deadliest into the safest large city in the nation". He likened crime to a Biblical Goliath and called for a David to free Jamaica. In fact, we need many courageous Davids and Davidias at Old Hope Road, at Jamaica House, and the PNP HQ.
To help us nurture these individuals, our churches need to synergise and intervene. The individual denominations and umbrella groups are doing tremendous work. However, the time is long past for all these groups to have representation in one religious organisation, keenly and actively focused on the nation's business. As powerful as our politicians may seem, no political party holds the compelling sway over their followers as most churches do.
Church and the mature heads in politics must join together to groom and guide our emerging leaders. We have failed our derailed young politicians. If they are hanging their heads in shame, the heads of their leaders and mentors, their 'shining exemplars', should be hanging even lower.
Norma Chang Daycare Centre
Last Thursday, Norma and husband Fred Chang beamed as the Daycare Centre at the Stella Maris Foundation in Grant's Pen was dedicated in Norma's name. The gentle octogenarians of the St Vincent de Paul Society have been like mother and father for over 20 years to many less fortunate residents in the area. They placed themselves at the disposal of these folks, even ensuring that they had their home phone number, which was well used and always lovingly answered. We salute these humble heroes.
lowriechin@aim.com
Jean Lowrie-Chin
Monday, November 19, 2007
WE have to admit that it takes a good deal of courage to offer oneself for public office. We should remember that the great leaders we so revere, Alexander Bustamante, Norman Manley, Winston Churchill, Jawaharlal Nehru, Julius 'Mwalimu' Nyerere, were all politicians. Those of us with long memories will remember the brickbats borne by both Busta and Norman during their vigorous campaigns.
Lady Bustamante's Memoirs and Rachel Manley's Drumblair not only record the struggles of these two extraordinary leaders but the loving, supportive circles in which they moved. As thuggery became a part of our political reality, even people in the same political party grew unsure of whom to trust. In conversations with politicians from both sides, they speak of being strangely lonely even as they are constantly surrounded by fans and hangers-on. They grow to cherish even more a trusted spouse and other family members, people they can count on to be as frank as they are loyal.
The breakdown of the family must surely have had its effect on the individuals who have entered politics in recent years. Just as private sector employers are seeing applicants well-armed with myriad degrees and absolutely no knowledge of basic home-grown morals and mores, today's wannabe politicians could be suffering from some serious gaps in their upbringing.
Well aware of these realities and the heady effect of power, the more mature heads in politics should have developed a thoughtful, compassionate mentorship programme for these promising young leaders. The 'school for politicians' begins with the youth arms, where individuals are trained in the art of politics, and having moved through the ranks, emerge as the new 'flavour of the month'. What a dizzying experience!
Suddenly you are either junior minister, senator or government spokesperson. Photographers and reporters are in hot pursuit and you see yourself on television, hear yourself on radio and have scrapbooks filled with photographs of your wonderful self.
There is a saying, "be careful that you start believing your own PR. Politicians (as well as those who find themselves on top of the corporate pile) really need a solid circle to keep them grounded in reality, lest they become drunk on their own power. My friend Dr Tony Vendryes likes to remind us that "ego" is an acronym for "Edging God Out". People surrounded by yes-men and sycophants will morph into little gods, thinking themselves answerable to no man.
Call me a sop, but I have been very saddened by the recent reports on the light bulb and Trafigura issues. One matter is now in the hands of the police, so we are not hazarding any judgment. Suffice it to say that bright young men who could have been great hopes for Jamaica are now facing crises in their political careers. For most of their adult lives they have belonged to a political party that has enjoyed victory after victory. Did the older heads in the party tell them about those tough days when they had to taste the bitter gall of defeat? How much coaching did our young politicians get in ethics and due process?
The more mature heads in both political parties have a responsibility to the young people whom they have courted into their folds. In them are the hopes and dreams, not merely of party, but of country. From them we want to make new Florizel Glasspoles, Hugh Shearers, Rose Leons and other sterling leaders of pre- and post-independence.
The words 'smart' and 'clever' have become devalued, said in grudging admiration of people who have done well but acted unfairly. I feel excruciatingly embarrassed when expatriates are heard criticising the corrupt practices of some Jamaicans. They are aghast at what some of us have not only accepted as common practice, but as 'clever' moves.
It has been said that for every politician being publicly hauled over the coals, there are other Jamaicans in both the private and public sectors trotting around, nose in the air, their own sordid secrets well hidden. This light bulb debacle should be a signal that the country is not going to settle for "business as usual". No doubt the PNP opposition will be watching the JLP government to find a similar chink it their armour. Jamaica should be cheering, "Bring it on! Let them watch each other and make us honest once more!"
Dr Henley Morgan gave us a fascinating column last week, analysing the ebb and flow of murder statistics under succeeding Commissioners of Police, acknowledging that there was a 16 per cent reduction in murders under Lucius Thomas' watch, and calling for greater accountability from the next commissioner. He cited the example of New York City Police Chief of the '90s William Bratton who, without a budget increase, "turned New York from the deadliest into the safest large city in the nation". He likened crime to a Biblical Goliath and called for a David to free Jamaica. In fact, we need many courageous Davids and Davidias at Old Hope Road, at Jamaica House, and the PNP HQ.
To help us nurture these individuals, our churches need to synergise and intervene. The individual denominations and umbrella groups are doing tremendous work. However, the time is long past for all these groups to have representation in one religious organisation, keenly and actively focused on the nation's business. As powerful as our politicians may seem, no political party holds the compelling sway over their followers as most churches do.
Church and the mature heads in politics must join together to groom and guide our emerging leaders. We have failed our derailed young politicians. If they are hanging their heads in shame, the heads of their leaders and mentors, their 'shining exemplars', should be hanging even lower.
Norma Chang Daycare Centre
Last Thursday, Norma and husband Fred Chang beamed as the Daycare Centre at the Stella Maris Foundation in Grant's Pen was dedicated in Norma's name. The gentle octogenarians of the St Vincent de Paul Society have been like mother and father for over 20 years to many less fortunate residents in the area. They placed themselves at the disposal of these folks, even ensuring that they had their home phone number, which was well used and always lovingly answered. We salute these humble heroes.
lowriechin@aim.com