EDITORIAL - Constructive engagement

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Friday | September 7, 2007

The stance taken by Mr. Bruce Golding has been most statesmanlike. He has been humble in victory and held out the olive branch to the defeated party. This approach is greatly to be welcomed and bodes well for what we can expect from the Prime Minister-designate.

Mr. Golding has described this approach as one of "constructive engagement", which we are made to understand is a term with a problematic history. 'Constructive engagement' was the term used by some governments to justify continued economic relations with the apartheid regime in South Africa. Never mind the history - it's the intention which counts.

For Jamaica has had an intensely tribalistic political culture which has been the bane of our existence for many decades. Tribalism has produced corruption in the award of contracts and massive cost overruns. It has led to the appointment of party hacks to high positions, regardless of their competence. It lies at the root of the garrison community phenomenon which is the foundation of our drug trade. It is one major cause of political violence and our high homicide rate.

IfMr. Golding can indeed strike a blow against our chronic divisiveness, his place in Jamaican history will be assured. But one hand cannot clap. The cooperation of the new leader of the Opposition will be essential for success. Initially, the reaction from Mrs. Simpson Miller was not encouraging. But wiser counsel has prevailed and the PNP seems to be willing to adopt a posture of engagement as well.

The acid test for Mr. Golding will come when the new Cabinet is appointed and the process of completing the formation of the Government is more advanced. If appointments are made on the usual partisan basis, then words such as 'constructive engagement' will begin to have a hollow ring.

We are not naïve and understand that Mr. Golding faces certain political loyalties which he will have to take into account. At the same time, we expect him, as well as the leader of the Opposition, to show courage and to be willing to expend political capital to realise these laudable goals. There are powerful forces in both parties who are steeped in tribalism, regarding their respective garrisons as the jewels in their political crown. Subordinating and defeating these negative elements will require great political will.

We note, too, en passant, the convergence of events that have within them the potential for continuing conflict. The distribution of hurricane-relief supplies, in the wake of the general-election campaign and the delayed election, may still be a source of contention among persons who have not yet been able to bury the hatchet of electioneering. It is imperative that petty partisan posturing be set aside to allow the most pressing and urgent needs of people to be met.

The election is over. Continuing bitterness among those who lost is self-defeating and triumphalism among victors is useless.

Mr. Golding's words have raised the bar of governance. But he, his colleagues and the Opposition will now have to jump it. The country yearns for positive leadership. Words matter, but deeds count.

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