Civil Society Coalition calls for Exemplary Management of Leadership Transition and a forthright address by Prime Minister Golding
Little more than a year has passed since Jamaica's very future was threatened by the unholy alliance between criminality and politics. It was a moment that created a window of opportunity for a national consensus. All across the society Jamaicans stood united in calling for an end to political garrisons, for a clean break between our politics and criminal networks, for transparency in the award of government contracts including requiring that fit and proper criteria be met by prospective contractors. We called for political reforms that would prevent Jamaica's democracy from being held hostage by special interests and we were agreed that Jamaica needed a concerted effort to renew communities and ensure the rule of law.
The Prime Minister, in his broadcast to the Nation on May 17, 2010, committed to the implementation of these reforms. Now, as the Jamaica Labour Party contemplates a new Leader and Jamaica a new Prime Minister, the JCSC expects that the commitments to making governance more transparent and accountable will be carried forward regardless of any leadership change.
The Jamaica Civil Society Coalition on the JLP to exercise exemplary management of the process, to ensure that it is handled with maturity and in a manner that results in leadership based on integrity.
This leadership transition must in no way derail or distract from the major economic, social and legislative progress and priorities of the nation. Most importantly, the drive to break the link between organised crime and politics must be intensified at this time.
The JCSC extends its condolences to Prime Minister Golding on the recent loss of his mother. We appreciate the additional challenge this must pose for him. The JCSC welcomes the announcement today of the Prime Ministers intended broadcast to the Nation on Sunday October 2. The several member organizations of the JCSC call on the Prime Minister to be frank and forthright in his statement as this will contribute to setting our nation on a path to full disclosure, healing and the establishment of lasting justice.
Little more than a year has passed since Jamaica's very future was threatened by the unholy alliance between criminality and politics. It was a moment that created a window of opportunity for a national consensus. All across the society Jamaicans stood united in calling for an end to political garrisons, for a clean break between our politics and criminal networks, for transparency in the award of government contracts including requiring that fit and proper criteria be met by prospective contractors. We called for political reforms that would prevent Jamaica's democracy from being held hostage by special interests and we were agreed that Jamaica needed a concerted effort to renew communities and ensure the rule of law.
The Prime Minister, in his broadcast to the Nation on May 17, 2010, committed to the implementation of these reforms. Now, as the Jamaica Labour Party contemplates a new Leader and Jamaica a new Prime Minister, the JCSC expects that the commitments to making governance more transparent and accountable will be carried forward regardless of any leadership change.
The Jamaica Civil Society Coalition on the JLP to exercise exemplary management of the process, to ensure that it is handled with maturity and in a manner that results in leadership based on integrity.
This leadership transition must in no way derail or distract from the major economic, social and legislative progress and priorities of the nation. Most importantly, the drive to break the link between organised crime and politics must be intensified at this time.
The JCSC extends its condolences to Prime Minister Golding on the recent loss of his mother. We appreciate the additional challenge this must pose for him. The JCSC welcomes the announcement today of the Prime Ministers intended broadcast to the Nation on Sunday October 2. The several member organizations of the JCSC call on the Prime Minister to be frank and forthright in his statement as this will contribute to setting our nation on a path to full disclosure, healing and the establishment of lasting justice.
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