Jamaica Needs Leaders

From Sam Sharpe & Nanny of the Maroons who rebelled against the pangs of slavery to Norman Manley and Sir Alexander Bustamante who challenged the despotic system of colonialism, Jamaica has passed through many political and economic periods, all of which required a certain level of leadership at different points. Since Independence, we have shifted into a new paradigm which requires leaders who will empower Jamaicans to identify opportunities for the betterment of their lives. But the question may be asked, what have we accomplished since 1962? What do we have to show for our 53 years of Independence? What kind of leadership has emerged since then?

It is quite unfortunate that Jamaica has found itself in a pothole by repeatedly using the same methods to fix existing problems; as a result the country continues to fail miserably at producing any effective change. Let me use this medium to analyze Jamaica’s political journey since Independence and assess the legacy of leadership we have had since then.

In 1992, when PJ Patterson was elected leader of the People’s National Party and prime minister, the populace declared that it was ‘black man time’ forgetting that former prime minister, Hugh Shearer was also of African descent. Portia Simpson Miller’s road to becoming prime minister in 2006 was similar to that of her predecessor; her ascent to leadership was dubbed ‘woman time’. Fast forward to 2011, the population ushered in Andrew Holness as leader of the JLP declaring that it was ‘young people time’ and thus he became Jamaica’s youngest prime minister at age 39. The face of Jamaica’s leadership needs to be changed and this change must surpass our superficial assessment of political representation based on prejudices and preferences with respect to race, sex or age.

The truth is that Jamaica is lacking in authentic leadership. Instead, we have been locked into political mind games between the two major political parties. A politician’s main concern is how to acquire power and manipulate this power to his or her advantage. In essence, a politician decides who gets power, when they get it, how much they get and even where and in what circumstances this power can be used.

On the other hand, leaders are more concerned about providing the resources and opportunities for the empowerment of their constituents regardless of class, race, sex, age, wealth or political affiliations. Leaders give an ear to the unheard and provide a voice for the voiceless. Unlike power-obsessed politicians, leaders are more interested in serving the people while ensuring that they grow and are transformed intellectually, financially and socially through recognizing and developing their potential.

We need to realize that we all have power within us, individually and collectively, and this power should never be relinquished to any one man or political group. It is for this reason that we should not be so docile when politicians abuse their powers and act irresponsibly.

Despite the detraction of Barack Obama by his conservative counterparts, his style of leadership must be commended. Having become the president of the United States in 2009, during the unstable global economic crisis, he has managed to reverse the fortunes of the US. Through his political leadership and economic programs, he has rescued the economy and boosted consumer confidence.

Obama’s foreign policy also speaks volumes of his leadership. Rather than resolving conflict with war, he has opted for engaging countries by strengthening diplomatic ties and creating an atmosphere for conversation, as is the current case with Cuba. Obama can be seen as transformational leader. It comes as no surprise that his approach to foreign policy and quest for peace has earned him the Nobel Peace Laureate award.

What conversation have our ‘leaders’ undertaken in their management of Jamaica’s affairs both locally and internationally? The constant bickering at each other will not move our country out of the pits of destruction. Change is needed now, Jamaica needs leaders.

I am Laydee Sharmz saying ‘Change in Jamaica will occur when the politicians start behaving like leaders and begin doing things for the people and not just for themselves’.

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