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Dual citizenship - lack of commitment fr political leaders
Dual citizenship shows lack of commitment from political leaders
Curtis Webley
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Most Jamaicans, if they desire, should have the right to hold dual citizenship, provided that there are no laws to the contrary. This is freedom that is innate and epitomises what democracy is all about.
Dual citizenship can enhance the economy of countries, or the country of the individual preference, including but not limited to the use and dissemination of intellectual property. The medium of exchange flows freely from one economy to the other and gives the citizens a sense of financial security as they transfer goods and services they have amassed over the years. Therefore, a citizen who is not committed to any one country can take resources from one economy for the benefit of another.
We have become accustomed to the fact that there are thousands of Jamaicans who have lived abroad, some of whom have returned home, taking with them their families, and whatever wealth they have amassed over the years to secure temporary, sometimes permanent domicile. I use the word temporary because most returning residents retain the option to leave the country should they become unable to cope with life in Jamaica. Thus, they travel annually to the migratory country for vacation, medical attention, or whatever the case may be, leaving the window of opportunity open for immediate departure from the homeland should the need arise. Their migratory status continues to be retained as an alternative plan. Not everyone should have this alternative plan, however, and our political friends and lawmakers who vowed allegiance and commitment to the furtherance of humanity fall into this category.
Jamaicans who hold political office should be exempt from the luxury of dual citizenship. In fact, they should not even hold an alien registration card (green card).
These are the men and women of our society who have chosen to serve our country, not under duress, but of their own free will; yet at the same time they are planning their exits should they not be able to cope with the man-eating tigers and the venomous anacondas they have created. If these politicians are barred from dual citizenship, I can assure you that they will implement and orchestrate many brilliant plans to enhance the security of themselves and their families, with the rippling or residual effect benefiting the masses of the country.
When people's backs are against the wall, they will do anything to protect whatever little resources they have. They will put their personal and political differences aside, unite, and fight gallantly for the cause. Giving them a choice, however, promotes lack of commitment and dedication, and they will run for cover to foreign countries in order to protect their social and economic wealth. These politicians certainly cannot be our heroes. They are faithless, self-absorbed, egotistical cowards who will resign their posts as lawmakers to protect their dual citizenship, neglecting the interest of the people they were elected to serve. Why else would they go to court to fight to maintain dual citizenship? To serve their country? Or is it to minimise public scrutiny and continue with their facade of deception before embarking on their nomadic venture?
It's time to cut the chatter and the charade and get down to business. There are genuine politicians who want to solve our local and international problems. However, their efforts are being hampered by others who do not and will not share the same agendas because they lack commitment, vision, and vigilance. Therefore denouncing dual citizenship for all our political office-holders and letting them choose their country of preference can do nothing but strengthen the social, economic, and moral growth of our country. Once the thorns are rooted out, we can begin to prepare for the harvest, a safer and better Jamaica for all.
Curtis Webley is a professor of accounting and income taxation at Oakton Community College in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
cwebley@earthlink.net
Curtis Webley
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Most Jamaicans, if they desire, should have the right to hold dual citizenship, provided that there are no laws to the contrary. This is freedom that is innate and epitomises what democracy is all about.
Dual citizenship can enhance the economy of countries, or the country of the individual preference, including but not limited to the use and dissemination of intellectual property. The medium of exchange flows freely from one economy to the other and gives the citizens a sense of financial security as they transfer goods and services they have amassed over the years. Therefore, a citizen who is not committed to any one country can take resources from one economy for the benefit of another.
We have become accustomed to the fact that there are thousands of Jamaicans who have lived abroad, some of whom have returned home, taking with them their families, and whatever wealth they have amassed over the years to secure temporary, sometimes permanent domicile. I use the word temporary because most returning residents retain the option to leave the country should they become unable to cope with life in Jamaica. Thus, they travel annually to the migratory country for vacation, medical attention, or whatever the case may be, leaving the window of opportunity open for immediate departure from the homeland should the need arise. Their migratory status continues to be retained as an alternative plan. Not everyone should have this alternative plan, however, and our political friends and lawmakers who vowed allegiance and commitment to the furtherance of humanity fall into this category.
Jamaicans who hold political office should be exempt from the luxury of dual citizenship. In fact, they should not even hold an alien registration card (green card).
These are the men and women of our society who have chosen to serve our country, not under duress, but of their own free will; yet at the same time they are planning their exits should they not be able to cope with the man-eating tigers and the venomous anacondas they have created. If these politicians are barred from dual citizenship, I can assure you that they will implement and orchestrate many brilliant plans to enhance the security of themselves and their families, with the rippling or residual effect benefiting the masses of the country.
When people's backs are against the wall, they will do anything to protect whatever little resources they have. They will put their personal and political differences aside, unite, and fight gallantly for the cause. Giving them a choice, however, promotes lack of commitment and dedication, and they will run for cover to foreign countries in order to protect their social and economic wealth. These politicians certainly cannot be our heroes. They are faithless, self-absorbed, egotistical cowards who will resign their posts as lawmakers to protect their dual citizenship, neglecting the interest of the people they were elected to serve. Why else would they go to court to fight to maintain dual citizenship? To serve their country? Or is it to minimise public scrutiny and continue with their facade of deception before embarking on their nomadic venture?
It's time to cut the chatter and the charade and get down to business. There are genuine politicians who want to solve our local and international problems. However, their efforts are being hampered by others who do not and will not share the same agendas because they lack commitment, vision, and vigilance. Therefore denouncing dual citizenship for all our political office-holders and letting them choose their country of preference can do nothing but strengthen the social, economic, and moral growth of our country. Once the thorns are rooted out, we can begin to prepare for the harvest, a safer and better Jamaica for all.
Curtis Webley is a professor of accounting and income taxation at Oakton Community College in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
cwebley@earthlink.net
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