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Published: Tuesday | December 27, 20112 Comments
THE EDITOR, Sir:
It is evident that Jamaicans, since our 2007 election, have been begging for a new type of politics. One where our leaders can be trusted to stand up for what is right, fair and just. We desire representatives who are free of corruption and whose motivation is simply the betterment of our nationals and, by extension, the nation.
Jamaicans have failed to feel assured that our present crop of politicians possess these qualities and rightly so, since within the ranks of our Parliament, and more depressingly within our Govern-ment, there are persons who have not lived up to our expectation as leaders. Past actions have proven their lack of moral integrity and, in some instances, scant regard for principles and law. However, Jamaicans are forced to choose between the lesser of two evils, as we are stuck with politicians who are simply nominated and accepted.
Our candidate-selection process needs to be upgraded. Politicians need to be screened in the same way our athletes are screened for banned substances. Furthermore, if after elected, one of our representatives is found to have any of these 'banned substances', he/she should be stripped of his/her title immediately and banned from holding public office in any capacity. The process of testing athletes has strengthened the integrity of athletics and a similar process will go a long way in strengthening our confidence in our leaders.
banned substances
I define a banned substance as any person guilty of verbal discourse or action which is in contravention of the Jamaican Constitution or suppresses the rights of citizens or negates or conflicts with the roles and responsibilities of elected/selected officials. These substances include but are not limited to:
1. Persons who have sought to pervert the course of justice;
2.Persons against whom there are allegations of criminal or immoral activity;
3.Persons who have been found guilty of criminal or immoral activity;
4.Persons who have been associated with criminals;
5.Persons who have knowingly lied to the public regarding matters of national importance and safety;
6.Persons who have used threat(s) or intimidation to influence the outcome of an election;
7.Persons who have prepared, assisted in the preparation of and/or authorised the use of fraudulent documents or identification in any personal or public endeavour;
8.Any person who has blatantly disrespected the law or its enforcers.
While this list is not exhaustive, there are numerous persons within our present stock of politicians and political candidates who are guilty of at least one of these offences and should not be allowed within our Parliament, and especially within our Cabinet.
A.M.
Mandeville, Manchester
THE EDITOR, Sir:
It is evident that Jamaicans, since our 2007 election, have been begging for a new type of politics. One where our leaders can be trusted to stand up for what is right, fair and just. We desire representatives who are free of corruption and whose motivation is simply the betterment of our nationals and, by extension, the nation.
Jamaicans have failed to feel assured that our present crop of politicians possess these qualities and rightly so, since within the ranks of our Parliament, and more depressingly within our Govern-ment, there are persons who have not lived up to our expectation as leaders. Past actions have proven their lack of moral integrity and, in some instances, scant regard for principles and law. However, Jamaicans are forced to choose between the lesser of two evils, as we are stuck with politicians who are simply nominated and accepted.
Our candidate-selection process needs to be upgraded. Politicians need to be screened in the same way our athletes are screened for banned substances. Furthermore, if after elected, one of our representatives is found to have any of these 'banned substances', he/she should be stripped of his/her title immediately and banned from holding public office in any capacity. The process of testing athletes has strengthened the integrity of athletics and a similar process will go a long way in strengthening our confidence in our leaders.
banned substances
I define a banned substance as any person guilty of verbal discourse or action which is in contravention of the Jamaican Constitution or suppresses the rights of citizens or negates or conflicts with the roles and responsibilities of elected/selected officials. These substances include but are not limited to:
1. Persons who have sought to pervert the course of justice;
2.Persons against whom there are allegations of criminal or immoral activity;
3.Persons who have been found guilty of criminal or immoral activity;
4.Persons who have been associated with criminals;
5.Persons who have knowingly lied to the public regarding matters of national importance and safety;
6.Persons who have used threat(s) or intimidation to influence the outcome of an election;
7.Persons who have prepared, assisted in the preparation of and/or authorised the use of fraudulent documents or identification in any personal or public endeavour;
8.Any person who has blatantly disrespected the law or its enforcers.
While this list is not exhaustive, there are numerous persons within our present stock of politicians and political candidates who are guilty of at least one of these offences and should not be allowed within our Parliament, and especially within our Cabinet.
A.M.
Mandeville, Manchester