Dear Editor,

The sugar plantation was undoubtedly the dominant economic and social phenomenon of colonial Jamaica and the society which emerged out of slavery was very much a reflection of the sugar plantation. In such a society there is a small but dominant upper class and large but subservient lower class. In colonial times, colour and wealth were the two dominant determinants of class. Our history indicates that there has always been a class conflict of one form or the other in Jamaica. The frequent slave revolts, the guerrilla tactics of the maroons, the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1860 and the social unrest of the 1930s all emanated from this class conflict.

Thanks to our national heroes and successive governments, we have made some incremental strides. However, the Jamaican society remains deeply divided across social and political lines. What has emerged from the general election of 2007 has significantly widened the class divide and has positioned Jamaica for a class war. When Portia Simpson Miller became prime minister, it was obvious that elements in society were uncomfortable with her pedigree. It is the view of many that the JLP victory was due largely to heavy financial backing from the wealthy.

The actions of the JLP in government so far have confirmed in the minds of many Jamaicans that it is a “big man” and “brown man” government. The bailout of special interests, the lack of dialogue and consultation with labour unions, the heavy taxation of the poor, the unwillingness to tax the rich, the pending public-sector layoffs and wage freeze all indicate a bias towards the upper class. The PNP and its leader, on the other hand, are adding fuel to the situation by posturing as the defenders of the poor and calling for taxation of the rich. No society has sustained economic and social development by favouring one class at the expense of the other. If we continue to burden the poor, there will be a repeat of the Morant Bay Rebellion and the social unrest of the 1930s and if we seek to plunder the wealth of the rich to give to the poor, we will have massive capital flight as we had in the late 1970s. Our problems have not been solved through a change of government, because governments have not changed their mindset. The solution to Jamaica’s problems lies not in confrontation but in collaboration. Let us use this time of crisis to fashion a new political paradigm, a shared vision and social and economic partnership to bring us across this Jordan into the promise of our rich potential.

Orville Plummer

oaplummer@yahoo.com