Repeatedly, several citizens have voiced their concerns regarding the perception that there is a perpetual state of decline in governance in the country, whether through different types of media or casual conversations.

They often use cinematic references to compare Jamaica to a series, jestingly, but sometimes seriously, questioning what will happen on the next episode of Keeping up with Jamaica, also referred to as a top-tier patty shop.

Many are of the view that our leaders lack direction. We know that governing a country is a tough task, and we know that many things are being worked on simultaneously, but it still feels as though, collectively, there is an absence of strategic and specific objectives that we want to achieve nationally. The country feels rundown.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) cannot sit comfortably with their significant parliamentary majority believing that their victory in the last two general elections will continue indefinitely under these leadership and living conditions. The People’s National Party (PNP), for many years, thought that Jamaica was “PNP country”, but the electorate, no matter the low voter turnout, has dispelled that notion. If the JLP Government continues to aggrieve the citizenry, it may affect them in the next polls. Is that why the country still cannot get a date for the overdue local government election? Is the prime minister throwing away his political capital?

COMPENSATION REVIEW PACKAGE

Minister of Finance and the Public Sector Dr Nigel Clarke, along with his team, has taken the bold step to review public sector wages and benefits. He must be commended for this.

In the earlier stages he promised that the reclassification would be advantageous to everyone; however, this seems far from the truth. We have seen several threats to take industrial action and, more recently, different unions, including the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), have overwhelmingly rejected the new offer.

Apart from the JTA having its roots linked to a certain political party, the over 500 delegates who voted to turn down the offer ought to be applauded. The education sector is one of the most critical industries in the country, in terms of equipping students for higher education, skills training, and the general workforce. Notwithstanding, educators are often disregarded and encouraged to settle for minimal increases. If we cannot agree to a reasonable salary package, many more of our teachers will continue to migrate en masse. Currently, several colleagues and students are reaching out to me, informing me of their intention to leave the local classroom for better opportunities.

ROAD TRAFFIC ACT

The new Road Traffic Act (RTA) is welcome, though very late. Since February 1, several motorists (outside of taxi and bus operators) have given high praises to the Government and the Jamaica Constable Force (JCF) for their enforcement of the provisions of the Act. The concern, however, is whether there will be a lapse in enforcement after some time.

Many public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators are unhappy with many of the fines laid out in the RTA, saying that they feel targeted. We also witnessed the uproar regarding the child car seat clause, which, for many, is both unclear and impractical. However, it is understood that this law was brought forward from previous Acts, dating as far back as the late 1990s. But didn’t any of our parliamentarians think about the feasibility of this part? Is the new Act really a matter of safety or another revenue stream for the Government?

Motorists are expected to maintain their vehicles in good condition to use the road; however, are our roads in good condition? When someone loses a tyre because of potholes, despite his or her careful driving, who takes the blame? How should commuters get to school and work when PPV drivers withdraw their service? Do they have an effective alternative provided by the State? The transportation sector plays a crucial role in economic productivity; therefore, the Government should make it an item of urgent priority.

We welcome the pilot of the new electric Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus, but how will the industry be sustained in the long term?

We could also highlight the perpetual issues of corruption, white-collar crimes, and violence, etc. We are pleading for better leadership and management of the country’s affairs. But is the solution in the Opposition?

Understandably, their limited parliamentary number affects their impact, but can they perform better? What is their message? They seem to speak on any and everything, opposing for the sake of it, but having no thoughtful solutions. Nobody really listens or follows them these days. They have been campaigning on #TimeCome, but the time has come for them to wheel and come again.

Even many of their grass roots have become tired of their lack of progress, including some of their loyal women. They have a lot more to do to connect with the youth of the society. Truthfully, as much as the prime minister and his Government have their shortfalls, “Brogad” is still far more popular and relatable than Mark Golding.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE

Commendations to all the inspiring young people who were nominees and recipients of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards at the ceremony held last Saturday. It is beautiful to honour their hard work. Based on their profiles, they all are exceptional. Continue to raise the bar as you motivate your fellowpeers.

Similarly, I extend deepest congratulations to my media colleagues who were awarded at last Saturday evening’s Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) awards ceremony. I particularly want to big up my good friend and colleague Romardo Lyons of the Jamaica Observer for achieving being awarded Young Journalist of the Year two years in a row. He is a true professional and an enterprising person. Although he grew up in a prominent inner-city community, he continues to defy the odds and he uses his achievements to motivate other young people to dream big.

Commendations must also be extended to the students’ council leadership of Excelsior High School, who pulled off a successful Afro hair day recently. The young ladies looked so beautiful sporting their natural hair. I sincerely hope that this trend continues in other schools, and it will shift from a one-day wear to a permanent situation. But what about the boys?

Oneil Madden is interim chair/head of Department of Humanities and lecturer in language(s) and linguistics at Northern Caribbean University. He is also a PhD candidate in applied linguistics at Clermont Auvergne University, France. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or maddenoniel@yahoo.com.