Numbering our leaders

published: Sunday | August 5, 2007

Orville Taylor, Contributor

Geriatric Alexander Bustamante was the first. Rumoured to be a brother of Norman Washington Manley, that makes him the first child. In any event, as far as we know he was an only child. A single ruler, an autocrat, it was 'number one' or nothing. After joining the Jamaica Workmen and Tradesmen Union, he fought with its founders for control until he was ejected.

In opposition, he prodded Manley into a referendum in 1961, leading to the collapse of the West Indies Federation. The cliché "one from 10 leaves zero" clearly attributes the number one to him. This number-one status is, however, unmatched by performance. Elected on the back of Jamaican workers, he barely enacted any pro-worker laws the National Insurance Scheme originated under his watch. Quite significant, because in the Chinese numbers games, number one means grey hair.

Donald Sangster served for only two months before his untimely demise. Therefore, nothing can be said about his stewardship.

'Great black hope'

Hugh Shearer, the 'great black hope', presided over a period of strong investment and development. However, like Bustamante, he shortchanged the workers who elected him. His proposal of the Industrial Relations, and Termination of Employment Bills in 1971, was too little too late. To his credit, he lent Jamaica's voice to the anti-apartheid movement. His activism led to the United Nations General Assembly establishing International Human Rights Day in 1968.

Yet, ironically, he prevented Black Power movement founder Stokely Carmichael and University of the West Indies lecturer Walter Rodney from entering the country and suppressed many Afrocentric texts. In the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade, that is a strong indictment. Shearer's number is three. The third Prime Minister was born in 1923, became an active unionist in 1943, and represented the Jamaica Labour Party in three chambers - the parish council, Senate and House of Representatives. He oversaw the construction of three new alumina refineries and three large convention hotels. Interestingly, number three means loss of memory and Shearer died with Alzheimer's disease.

Social-oriented leader

The fourth member of his clan, Michael Manley, was born in 1924 and is Prime Minister number four. The most social-oriented leader in our history, he gave voting franchise to the youth, humanised Rastafari, legalised 'bastard' children and in four years enacted more pro-worker laws than in the four decades spanning 1944 and 1974. His policy of free education, surprisingly now opposed by his People's National Party, allowed many of its present critics to become professionals.

With an international presence still unrivalled in the developing world, his magnanimity placed little Jamrock on the map. Nevertheless, for all the pro-poor achievements, Manley piloted an economic disaster and ended his first tenure with an unemployment rate of 30 per cent and a dollar that was weaker than a politician's excuse. Notably, during his regime the paradox of new rights for the poor and working class and erosion of human rights emerged. The evil Suppression of Crime Act and its constant abuse by the security forces is an indelible stain. Number four means sex, wine, wedding cake, hugs and kisses. Yes! That's Michael. With several wives (including other people's), number four is definitely his.

The Seaga years

'Deliverance' came under Eddie Seaga in 1980. Our fifth Prime Minister was born in the fifth month, began promoting Jamaican music and culture in 1955. He lost five general elections and retired in 2005 at age 75 the promised economic miracle did not materialise, he kept the Jamaican dollar at $5.50 to the U.S. and reduced unemployment to the lowest in 50 years.

Still, he was dogged by his autocratic style and some of his faithful lieutenants mutinied and became the 'Gang of Five'. Number five means spider or 'Bredda Anansi' and something else that I can't print.

P.J. Patterson, the sixth, is most distinguished for his length of tenure and space between his words. Number six means copper and gunshot, but since P.J. is the most peaceful Prime Minister in our history, this can't possibly be his number. However, it also appropriately means bones and tomb. Indeed, several skeletons emerged in his scandal-riddled administration. Furthermore, the gun murder rate shot upwards during his watch. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed Jamaica's role as CARICOM's leader, reduced unemployment to 12 per cent and oversaw the most housing solutions ever.

Still, this icon has two associated numbers. This father of two, the second dark-skinned Prime Minister of Jamaica, was first elected to Parliament in 1972, became Prime Minister in 1992, completed two double terms and last won elections in 2002.

I am out of space, so let's move to Sister Seven. Seven ministers have embarrassed her. 'Mr. Pampers', with cement, NetServ, Universal Access Fund, etc., etc.; Bobby's bungling which took a 'toll' on her support in Portmore; Horace Dalley from one health debacle to another; A.J. and Colin dropped Trafigura, Maxine's two non-existent schools, and incompetent officers give the impression that the ministry is in a bad shape; and Roger with his recent tomfoolery on stage. Thankfully, her former detractor, K.D., has retired and gone back in the 'box'.

Nonetheless, her tenure has been too short because she is using P.J.'s 'mandate' and he is still working behind the scenes. Nevertheless, if she performs half as well as she did as Minister of Labour, she will succeed. If she wins, will she change course?

Dr. Orville Taylor is senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work at the University of the West Indies, Mona.