Dear Editor,

French Nobel Prize winner Albert Schweitzer said it best when he said, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”

In a nation struggling to deal with strife, healthy ways to resolve conflict and creating a culture of working together in spite of our differences, it is critical that leaders lead from the front and be the change that they aspire to be and that we need to see in this nation.

Recently, the Government announced that a team comprised of representatives and nominees from both sides of the political divide would be assembled to craft well-needed adjustments proposed for constitutional reform. A few weeks later we were informed that the process had been stalled because leaders from the two main political parties were unable to amicably resolve what seemingly were resolvable matters. This stance resulted in no one being nominated from the Opposition party to sit on the committee. Shortly thereafter, we were informed that the recrafting of the most important piece of legislation in our country — the constitution — with changes that will impact our nation for generations to come, would be undertaken solely by those nominated by our current Government.

As a citizen of our beloved country, let me begin by saying that this is unacceptable. How is it that the elected leaders of Government and Opposition could not find a way to cooperate on this significant project? Are we to believe that they are equipped to lead the kind of change our country desperately needs? Good leadership is not only about being academically equipped; it is also about being able to work with others (even those with whom we disagree) to achieve a common goal. There is one Jamaica, and this piece of legislation will impact all Jamaicans regardless of socio-economic status, political opinions, and affiliation, or age.

How can our leaders reasonably turn around and encourage others to resolve their disagreements amicably if they are not doing the same? The inability and/or unwillingness to cooperate and work together is at the root of many of our issues that are causing the breakdown in our society at the domestic and corporate levels. We need leaders who will choose to rise above these personal obstacles and work together for the improvement of our nation. If they are not able to do it, who can?

According to Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success!”

Independent Churches of Jamaica

icjamaicachurches@gmail.com