Constitutional Reform Not Connecting

It is said that the constitution of the 1962 Independence process was ‘not by the Jamaicans and not for the Jamaicans’, but rather a borrowed concept from our colonial masters to smoothen our transition to an independent nation.

Fast forward to 2023, and thus far this Constitutional Reform process can be described as ‘by some Jamaican people and for some Jamaican people’, with the roadmap and phases of implementation already decided upon without much input as to what the collective mass would deem as priority or how they would like to see the process unfold.

 

An accepted notion amongst Jamaicans is that those within parliament are there because ‘they know best’ and are the brightest, they should formulate the laws or policy, debate, and vote on those laws while regular citizens should complain about issues and vote in elections. This upsetting misconception may have been appropriate in a fledgling democracy finding its footing but has no place in a maturing modern democratic nation.

 

If we were true to the principles of Democracy and the Westminster model of government then the people would be at the core of this Constitutional Reform process from conceptualization to implementation and resolution. It is wholly unfair to the people of Jamaica and specifically the youth, that the Government of Jamaica had decided to embark on a path of reform without first having the sort of inclusive discussions they are now seeking to have now. The renewal or refreshing of previous works done by commissions that existed decades ago would have been of vital importance to any administration that truly understands the impact of such a momentous change on future generations.

It also doesn’t help that the Constitutional Reform Committee seemed to have public education and communication as an afterthought. In a world of AI and TikTok, a communications strategy should have been developing prior to the formation of the CRC, seeing that the Government had the implementation approach in mind.

The CRC must resist the “token participation” tactics of that is only seen to be transparent and accepting of feedback but in practice, the policy is already set.

 

We all know distrust in government is high due to low transparency therefore It is crucial for this Constitutional Reform process to be open and inclusive at every step of the way.

 

At the end we must have a constitution for Jamaicans, by Jamaicans for future Jamaicans.

Jamaica Debates Commission Should Revise Criteria for Debate Participation

Mario Boothe

Youth & Governance Advocate

JDC Logo

Allowing for differing views and opinion on policy to contend is a critical tenant of democracy, yet the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) current setup seems to be ignoring the opinion of our newest political parties and those that identify with their ideology.

In May 2017, the Jamaican parliament in its wisdom approved the “Political Parties Registration Regulations”, this move was to provide for greater transparency and accountability. This also solidified these organizations as part of the democratic and electoral processes in a way they never did before. This registration includes providing organizational structures, gaining signatures and other details.

Only four (4) political parties have so far registered, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People’s National Party (PNP) along with 2 newer parties including the United Independents’ Congress (UIC) and the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP).

On November 4^th, 2021, the JDC conducted a signing of a MOU that saw the PNP and JLP commit to being a part of the organized debates ahead of the Local Government elections. The exclusion of the JPP and UIC, that are considered “third parties” on the surface may not seem like much, but this should call into question the legitimacy of the election debates.

These third parties are representing concerns not expressed by the establishment options. This was clearly displayed by the UIC’s attempted march on Gordon House this summer.

The JDC’s “Debate Manual” that outlines requirements for political party participation in debates says it cannot be the role of the JDC to provide a platform for political parties to attract national attention, in same breath outlining the hurdles that would limit third party chances in elections. The manual also outlines having public support and ability to form government (fielding candidates and providing policy) as criterion.

With General Election turnout dipping below fifty percent of recent, and Local Government elections trending even lower, it is almost certain to say that no political party has gained the confidence of majority of eligible voters.

It must be suggested that the current JDC manual and format is outdated given the legislative updates and the electoral/political realities.

The commission as a national effort by the media and private sector is excellent, but it should revaluate the necessity to rigorously gatekeep participation, when the limited opinions of the 2-party system has clearly not worked well for the people of Jamaica.

We should be concerned about the quality of our Politics.

Beyond the possible impending effect on our democracy that the destruction
of the current opposition, the People’s National Party would have, we have another disaster in the form of chronically low quality in our political representation and governance both nationally and locally.

At our local level, the Municipal Corporation representation is seen as a glorified divisional organizer appointed by political parties to keep their election machinery active. These local rep functions continue to be overshadowed by central government via Members of Parliament to curry favor with constituents. The local reps are usually less educated but deeply passionate about their communities, often lacking any substantial knowledge about government and governance.

We should be additionally concerned that our local reps with years of representational experience are continuously overlooked by the political parties for promotion to the House of Representatives.

The Upper House (Senate) is a prime example of decline, with the establishment political parties continuing to thwart the initial concept by their perplexing political appointments of defeated politicians, party activist and future candidates. The debates and exchanges on legislative matters seem almost pedestrian. The upper chamber was meant to be a legislative buffer of independent professionals or civic minded folks not a compost heap.  

Lastly, the Lower House having the better crop of representation with older professional, and tertiary educated folks seemingly lacks boldness to go against the party line and fails to truly mirror changing sentiments of their younger and more modern constituents. There is an unwillingness to be creative with policy as many laws get dragged from colonial times to be applied now and reforms being done piecemeal.

There is no need for us to implement any stringent requirements for entry into political representation, as any Jamaican citizen must have a right to run for public office and offer themselves for service. However, we must demand political parties to emphasize the need for candidates to be sufficiently groomed and empowered with the knowledge about our government systems and governance is general.

As a developing state, we must support engagement at an early age with Civics and Government in schools plus continued wholesome youth participation from the community to the national levels. As we better the stock quality in the citizenry, surely, we will see mark improvement overtime as the selected few offers themselves to represent the masses.

Mario Boothe

Youth & Governance Advocate

The Real Gangs of Jamaica

Since 9/11, the world became more aware of terrorism and as such an unmeasurable amount of resources have gone into the elimination terrorists and their organizations around the globe. In Jamaica, we call such organizations, gangs.

Two of the oldest gangs have become institutionalized and, as such, may not appear to be what they really are - terrorist-like organizations.

A careful review of our history should make it clear to you that these two groups have been terrorizing Jamaicans for years, plunging the nation into civil war at a point. In fact, many Jamaicans have been killed, victimized and exiled by these two gangs of the past 74 years. They have fancy and patriotic sounding names ending with "party," but they have committed more crimes than any criminal gang in the land. In fact, they should be given the titles of “Mother and Father of all Jamaican Gangs”. Through their quest for power, these entities created garrisons across the island controlled by “area leaders” and “dons” who have since mostly broken away from the control of their political masters and have done immense damage to life and property in Jamaica.

What bothers me most, however, is that they have been able to disguise themselves that few see these two terrorist organizations for what they are. And many have deep loyalty and respect for their leaders, candidates and officers. Anyone who chooses to join such a party or gang has, by that one act, disqualifies themselves as a true representative of the People. By joining one of these gangs, it shows their lack of knowledge, judgement or moral compass.

The young gang members are no different from the old guards who are training and mentor them to terrorize us in new and more modern ways. Don't be fooled by their sweet mouths or actions; birds of a feather flock together. And, as the Good Book asks, "can two walks together unless they agree?"

Could any truly informed principled person ever join or stay in a group that is a known terrorist organization?

Jamaica is ready to trash these old tethered books who still cling to their less than immaculate past and who refuse to govern to with transparency and accountability.

Voters must decide if they want to settle with continuing to give their pearls to the swine.

It's time to be free!

Jamaica's Political Establishment Implosion and The Independent Challenger in 2016

It was to the end of 2015 that I came across the term "political resocialization" while watching a forum on youth participation in democratic conducted by the youth group Respect Jamaica an UNICEF Jamaica initiative.

Indeed the speaker eluded to the fact that the Jamaica's political  culture after the bloody and divisive period of the mid 1970's to 1980 had serious skewered how the newly independent nation defined democracy and was the beginning of the acclimatization of pre & post independence Jamaicans to tribal, dependent, corrupt and unreliable politics that has persisted even to this day with robust national development left to suffer in its wake.

Within the same period of last year as Prime Minister Simpson-Miller hinted at a very possible early election, her own party[The People's National Party] candidate selection was turned into nothing less than a circus show of the undesirable elements of politicking including accusations of corruption and favoritism, mudslinging, conspiracies of all sorts left to fester as once favored, seemingly 'working' first term Members of Parliament were replaced in their respective runoffs.

With the election a certainty in 2016 and volatility within the political establishment at an all time high, there is no doubt that the two party system is heading towards implosion as the formal structures for handling internal matters begins to buckle under the call for a more democratic process. 

This call is strongest in the rural constituency of North-East St. Elizabeth, that has been a stronghold for the PNP as the first time young turk Raymond Pryce will be replaced with another candidate after the selection; his supporters have been adamant that they will only support the party at the ballot only if MP Pryce is the candidate.

The Independent

With the opposition party Jamaica Labour Party unlikely to pose a challenge in North-East St.Elizabeth there is a growing void for representation that s by the people and for the people. Joseph Patterson, the President of the newly formed United Independent Congress(UIC) has decided to plant his feet in the divided constituency and take advantage of the weaken stronghold.

Joseph Patterson(UIC President)

The commentary and media coverage thus far
hasn't officially recognized the traction being gained by Mr Patterson's campaign and real possibility of making electoral history being the first elected Independent since Jamaica's independence in 1962. This historic moment could possibly be a political, if not democratic statement on the path forward to better governance and politics.

With an independent being supported in a constituency with a voter turnout of 32% shared among the main parties in last general election; his ability to tap into the 48% of non-voters will be crucial. With a freshness and difference about him, and the possible pride of being the first constituency to elected an Independent is certainly energizing enough to get non-voters out on the day.

With constitutional and governance reform a critical part of the UIC's mandate, Jamaica maybe heading towards a galvanizing shift away from the colonial masters inspired system of governance.

#AllLivesMatter from Paris to Raqqa

Firstly, any acts of violence perpetrated against any person or a people should be offensive to our humanity and the impact not to be diminished. 

We must condemn these horrendous attacks done in the name of religion and stand resolute with our French counterparts especially the youth.

In showing your support you might be one of the millions of people across the world showing solidarity with the people of Paris, after the recent terrorist attacks by using the French flag photo

filter on your social media accounts. The level of social awareness at an all time because of social media and it connectivity that reaches beyond boundaries and borders, allowing us to react, empathize and sympathize simultaneously as events occur in different parts of the world.

With many of us choosing western mainstream media outlets that are often for domestic markets like CNN – we end up not receiving the deeper coverage of stories that accompanies internationally focused media. This is inadequate for the formulation of balanced views and interpretation of world issues, it therefore leads me to submit that the current show of solidarity and outcry has been woefully disproportionate to the impact of terrorism and the so called ‘war on terrorism’ when comparing west and east.

Why I chose a Syrian Flag Filter?

Although the Refugee crisis gains considerable coverage, it still is being referred to as a “migrant crisis” – with the highlights being Europe’s response not the basis of the crisis that has led over 9 Million Syrians to leave their homes from the start of civil war in 2011.If you get pass the surface of mainstream reporting, there are facts and data that gives insight into the true devastation of terrorism and the war against it. 

The Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP), in its Global Terrorism Index 2015 states that, “terrorism remained highly concentrated in just five countries, with Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Syria accounting for 78% of terror-related deaths in 2014.” 

The town of Raqqa in Syria is the stronghold of Islamic State and has been completely destroyed by the ongoing civil war, IS and bombings by the US, Russia, France and other allied forces. Hospitals and schools are nonexistent at this point.

While the reasons for the filter is to make us feel better about our own inaction or inability to change the world but let’s not put a western cap on our solidarity. 

Press Fails to Demystify Economic Issues

With the issues of Jamaica's economy and fiscal management - or lack of - dependent on your political view, reaching a new level of discourse as the political factions and schools of economics whip out technical jargon and flash their superior number crunching abilities concerning all things budget, debt, revenue, exchange rate, GDP(gross domestic product), capital market, multinationals and overall policy. There is a forgotten majority that continues to  be removed from the discussion either from ignorance or apathy in a process that doesn't appreciate their layman opinions.

With an election imminent there is renewed energy and competition in the politics as parties and candidates try to one-up the other on economic issues that remain high on the Jamaican agenda, many not 'qualified' to lead the conversation but while in campaign mode they won't necessarily stick to facts further misleading those removed from the discourse. 

And to straighten out the facts and give solid opinions we turn to the academics and practitioners who are given open mics in the press and mainstream news media. But too often the facts are numbers, that become complicated calculations, that get tossed around loosely as simple mathematics in nation that is trying to curb a cultural 'hard hardheadedness' to math. The academic circle also sees its fair share of politics as different schools of economic thought collide for supremacy and personalities aim top their counterparts.


Who is actually aiming to demystify the issues?

Connect The Dollars

For the layperson, the economy is what he or she experiences including (un)employment, income, food prices, gas prices, utility bills, mortgage/rent  and all the other direct factors that will affect a person's quality of life. 

With politicians too busy trying to tilt the situation either way and the academics unable to convey simpler messages. We are then expecting our middle men in public discourse - the free press- that connects us the citizenry to the issues and vice versa to breakdown the arguments, facts and implications and deliver a material that allows everyone who wants to understand to connect the dollars back to their own lives and pockets.

If the news outlets and talk shows continue to regurgitate the discussions being had at the highest levels of leadership in the same language and understanding, a large percentage of Jamaicans will never become interested or if they are interested will never comprehend the true dollars and sense of the economy.

We don't just need a new politics but a new voter who understands the issues or a voter who craves understanding as to make the best decision at the ballots.

Dead Democracy: From The Ballot to The Streets

"A stable democracy" is often how those in leadership positions describe the current health of our politics and democracy, with no major shock waves in our system of governance over the last 3 decades since the ideological rift that formed during the years of Micheal Manley's lean towards democratic socialism clashing with Seaga's capitalist sentiments that received further push from outside forces. After this period, the word ideology became invalid and political activist reduced to squabble between grassroots supporters defending their respective parties, as the economy sank - the tight fiscal space narrowed our vision with only the  IMF and other global creditors in our sight.

As a millennial belonging to the 90's and having experience the birth and and super expansion of the Information age, there has been no substantial period for Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) as to compare governance records against the People's National Party's tenure. Hence the search for comparisons in this modern age would lead us youth, regionally and internationally to get an understanding of the level of governance that we should be expecting and encouraging through our public participation.

With the current situation in mind, I would like to suggest to will thinking Jamaicans that as for our democracy our vitals are flat lining  and for all intensive purposes we are a dead democracy.Lifeless from the ceremonial zombie-like walk to the ballots to fulfill our 'rights' to the bustling streets filled not with voices of protesters with a cause but with hustlers just trying to make a living without such concern for the process that controls how taxes are spent or the minimum your to be paid for a days work.

The Ballot 

We have been dead at the ballot boxes from the time our political parities decided to encourage 'area leader' mentality  that saw the creation of garrisons and safe seats that are manned by the die-hearts who swear upon their ancestors grave their bloods are either green or orange not red like our national heroes, 2 are accredited founder of these political parties. Even after the creation of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) and Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) to ensure free and fare elections in all constituencies, the sanctity of votes are still being corrupted with the buying and selling of votes.

For those not considered die-hearts of any kind, they often make voting into a symbolic gesture to our ancestors who fought for suffrage, with little thought given to issues, because elections in Jamaica are about party and personalities not issues. Plaster a face on a sign with a slogan and you have yourself a campaign, although you may speak on topics - who is really listening? Not the die-hearts they are only concerned about their party winning, half the independent voters are tuned out until election day and the other half is the minority who decided to vote on issues but their numbers wont affect the outcome much - then there are those who don't not to vote because of apathy.

I can only compare our 5 year general election cycle to life support and with sprinklings of local government elections in between as minor brain activity. In the 2007, we showed a miraculous  sign of recovery that had a generous turnout including the youth that drastically dwindled in 2009 when Holness in tried to tap into the youth-phoria after Golding's quick departure under circumstances that left a immeasurable trust deficit.

We have lost the essence of being a voting and being voters.

The Street

The current Simpson-Miller led administration has demonstrated that we have slipped into collective coma as we shun our civil duty to keep our government accountable and transparent. There has been no end to the controversies  and contradictions that only inspired limited outcry hence got limited results from the Azan affair, NHT saga, Riverton fire mess and the Ms Haughton's unpunished nepotism. But the administration biggest mockery of our Westminster system was allowing a Cabinet Minister to pursue business with entities that cabinet itself decided not to do business with.

Yet, we 'articulate minority' have not found these blunders, so offensive to our sense of judgement that we would alight the streets with our concerns, discontent and disapproval. Are the silent streets a picture of deeper fear? A fear of being relinquished to doldrums of social mobility, where those without the proper surname, professions and nod of approval are placed for speaking out of turn prevented from moving upward - the creation of a classicist society.

S.O.S

This perception also consumes our universities and especially civil society groupings, many see these groups as only caring for those who pay their dues or make considerable donations. This idea that civil society, is only for the sophisticated  upper echelons of Jamaican society who can speaking the queens english when making representation is troublesome in a context such as Jamaica - where those who are most oppress belong to a lower socio-economic standing with perfect patios and sub standard english and education.

These issues reinforce in the minds of poor Jamaicans  that the system is too complicated for them to speak beyond localized matters such as bad roads and lack of water, they dare not venture into governance and constitutional reform out of ignorance - this vacuum leaves them powerless thus they place their entire trust in the political leadership to govern themselves and set their own standards.

The masses are out their waiting to galvanize around a single source of either strength, sacrifice or shock whether they know it or not. Who will inject the well needed adrenaline to get our civil blood pumping again?

Support for Public Sector Shutdown

The People's National Party(PNP) government and its economic oversight reps of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) have made it quite clear that they are passing on the hand dealt to them by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the public sector workers who largely constitute the Jamaican middle-class in form of a 5% wage offer. Although, in the weeks immediately following the 5% disclosure the administration was insisting that it was just a starting offer and that negotiations would bear good fruits.

People's National Party

It would not be long after that the government, now under more pressure by the defiant unions and workers began to colour its own workers as inconsiderate; saying that they were selfishly ignoring the administration's tight fiscal space as dictated by the IMF and that there defiance could possibly derail the economic reform programme - although the public workers had agreed to wage freeze for 6 years despite increase in cost of living to give the government sufficient time and maneuverability to stimulate growth.

Let Actions Speak

It  was encouraging to see the leader of the Jamaica Teachers Association motivating his charges to email Public Service Minister, Horace Dalley, sending him countdown reminders for the government to respond to the teacher's offer, even drawing irritated response from the minister. Hopefully union leaders and other activist will see the value in utilizing new media and social network to not just mobilize the troops but engage the wider Jamaican populace in their cause especially to build awareness and gain support.

As the weeks pass; the public sector workers and their families are anxious for deal of mutual interest to reached - the unions have threatened inevitable industrial actions with only their sense of duty to nation sustaining them. But we challenge the unions, workers and Jamaicans not to be caught in individual battles that only serve a single interest, its time we awaken to possibilities of sustained change that only arise from us presenting a united front in the face of our new reality.

Public Sector Shutdown 

Public Sector shutdown and walkouts aren't unheard of and here in Jamaica it follows the traditions of the early union movements that led up to our independence; such an action will have large support and could be a catalyst for the type of awakening that will get turn our general apathy into ACTION!.

Don't Downplay, Encourage and Participate

It is a reoccurring theme among Jamaicans to downplay the cause, advocacy and motives of those among us with the intention of disrupting the status quot. 

It indicates a level of fear that has been driven into the people through a political culture of "don" and "area leader", but also the injustice brought about by the cronyism that amass power for the selected few and the only way to make some head way is by supporting them or "dawg nyam yuh suppah". Many are quick to place political labels hence making it easier for them to dismiss and avoid participation.

We must decide to reject the "we can't do anything" and "is dem run things" mentality that has kept governance from truly progressing. Realizing that we have the power and should be constitutionally be given more power to hold those in elected and other public offices accountable.

Despite this, we must seek to encourage, motivate and participate in the activities be them discussion or civil actions that will create CHANGE, so that everybody has a chance for reach strive for the top.

TPPandTheCaribbean: Trans-Pacific Partnership Facts and How the Caribbean will be affected

Mainstream Messed Up

Before I do delve into 'the need to knows', I must call out any mainstream media that either under-reported this issue or ignored it, but I am especially disappointing in the Jamaican mainstream media as they have left the Jamaican masses especially the disfranchised  members of the society who have no other resources other than the mainstream media be it print or electronic to enlighten them about local and global affairs.

There is no for the media not follow and report on such a established topics such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the other less popular United States(US)-EU(European Union) Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership(TTIP). Even as Pres. Obama maneuvers his Trade Bill  through the US House of Representative and Senate that would see the implementation of the TPP in the US within a period of 6 years, along with other negotiation nations from the Americas include: Mexico, Canada, Peru and Chile. 

TPP Members 

TPP Facts

What is the Trans-Pacific Partnership 

The TPP or TPP12 is an a game changing  Free Trade Agreement that was originally signed by Brunei Darussalam, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore under its former name "Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership" and came into effect in 2006 with a vision of comprehensive trade liberalization being implemented by 2015, but between 2010-2013 the other 8 nations( including Japan, Australia, Malaysia,Vietnam) had joined led by the USA, of course making it 12 nations in total. 

TPP Objectives

The TPP stated objective is  to achieve extensive liberalization of both goods and services, and entails comprehensive coverage of trade in services, investment, government procurement, non-tariff measures, and many other regulatory areas 

including Intellectual Property.

Size and Power  

This Partnership is looked upon as another geopolitical power struggle between the US and China's emerging influence in the Americas and Asia-Pacific hence we must asses its economic size and power to really gain an appreciation of its impact on global trade, but also consider the possibilities of more Asian-Pacific nations joining the TPP.

Although the United State is almost twice the size in population and economy of the other members: Trade among TPP partners amounted to more than $2 trillion in 2012, which can be compared to World Trade Organization (WTO) global trade valued $18.3trillion for that period, TPP trading would equal 11% of all trade.

TPP nations are a 40% share of all United States world trade with the North American Free Trade(Canada,Mexico,USA) and Japan the majority of that trade.

In terms of populations according to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) 2014 World Population Data Sheet, .the total American TPP members which stands at 555 million, more than half the total population of the Americas (971 million), is significantly larger than the Asian population figures which amount to no more than 256.6 million (285 if you add Australia and New Zealand), compared to Asia’s total population of 4.3 billion: almost half of the Asian contingent is accounted for by one member, Japan: Converted to percentage of worlds population would be 12%.

Criticism and Concerns 

Opponents of the Trans-Pacific Partnership says its a secretive, multinational trade agreement that threatens to extend restrictive intellectual property (IP) laws across the globe and rewrite international rules on its enforcement. 

The fear the deal may extend the scope of patents in sectors such a medicine and prevent the distribution of generic drugs.

With the certain deregulation of the Private Sector seen also as negative by pro consumer advocated; there will easier flow of companies and their revenue, leading to possible loss of  employment and outsourcing of local jobs.

Continued currency manipulation by some members;currency manipulation is characterized by persistent current account surpluses, and accumulation of massive quantities of foreign currency reserves.

And with the rigidity of trade and harmonization regulation to ensure equality being proposed, opponents say that smaller economies will have less room to grow and develop.

How TPP will Affect The Caribbean

The  magnitude of the affect that the Trans-Pacific Partnership is still hard to predict as nations still negotiate and hence we await the final agreement, if they are successful in reaching there:

The European Center for International Political Economy(ECIPE) report: "Mega-Regional Trade Agreements: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN, AND PACIFIC COUNTRIES" has provided some insight into how these two Free Trade Agreements would affect the African, Caribbean and Pacific(ACP) countries and provided some recommendations going forward:

read full document here:http://www.ecipe.org/app/uploads/2014/12/OCC22014_.pdf (05/16/15)

For the Caribbean specifically, ECIPE said that the TPP may have a significant impact on trade, with the USA accounting for close to 35% of the Caribbean’s exports while the EU and the rest of the TPP account for 11% and 8% respectively. 

Also that there are a number channels through which mega-regional agreements such as the TPP can impact on ACP countries. The first is the direct effect that mega-regional agreements can have on existing ACP access to EU and USA markets on preferential terms not available to middle and high-income countries. The second channel is the impact that the reduction of non-tariff measures and the harmonization of standards within the TPP can have on either raising or reducing export costs for ACP countries. 

What Must We Do

Some ECIPE recommendations for ACP countries include:

ACP countries continuing to push for increased and more targeted aid for trade, development and should also bolster their domestic systems for receiving and utilizing this assistance these tools should be used to cater for the country’s domestic institutional, political economy, and governance constraints.

Conducting national assessments of how we are positioned in the mega regionals “game”- domestic reform imperatives could best be pursued so that the country is not left too far behind.

Strengthening and widening regional economic integration:  enlarging the regional economic space will provide some attraction to outside investors, particularly if the transactions costs of accessing regional markets can be made less burdensome or, even better, attractive.

Without "high-level" government and policy intervention Caricom and its Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) will be on the receiving end of whatever trade deals, regulatory  changes, environmental and intellectual property rights agreements result from this new arrangement with no way out. 

Next Time we analyze the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership(TTIP).

Two-Tier Local Governance for Jamaica

It was interesting to hear Opposition leader Andrew Holness ratify the position of his party local governance when he said to MP Warmington[opposition whip]: 

“Wehave to support the bill. We can't look like we not supporting localgovernment." Jamaica Gleaner 13/5/2015

It was almost amusing in that instance to see the opposition fumble and tumble in the House of Representatives during the vote on the amendment to theLocal Government Act{link to Bill} being proposed by the government, prior they stood united and defiant against the CCJ bills that had eventually passed with only government MPs support.

This Local Government constitutionamendment is to entrench and empower local government, and sees noextreme shift in policy that would support the eventual automation oflocal authorities, although the 3 accompanying bills that include the 

1. Local Governance Bill; 
2. Local Government (Unified Service and Employment) Bill; 
3. Local Government finance and(Financial Management) Bill {Link: SDC Policy Objectives}

are very minor steps.

Entrenchment is not enough

It must now become the priority of the government not settle with the entrenchment of the current system, that sees rampant nepotism, corruption, lack of trust, little participation of citizens and community groups, with the current system of local government in the past

Constitution of Jamaica 1962

being disbanded on the grounds of corruption and ineffectiveness, it is understandably that we should be hesitant of protecting a unsatisfactory institution.

The move towards reform are derived from reports recommendations on constitutional reform in 90's and over 20 years later have seen the best and worst of our style of Westminster politics hence any recommendations then must be viewed in the context of nation that has a trust deficit between citizen and government that only be described as unfavorable for development and growth.

County Councils and Parish Administrators

A county council is the elected administrative body governing for an county that often are responsible and are compliment by smaller public bodies including city, districts, parishes, etc. The political system we mirrored belonging to the United Kingdom had county councils from 1889, and reformed in 1974 to one-tier-unitary authorities in most areas of the UK, others nations with County councils include: Sweden, Taiwan, Norway and USA [10 states].

3 Counties/14 Parishes of Jamaica

With County Councils established in Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey [with exception of the Portmore Municipality] - as an elected assembly - the parish/district administrators would be either be elected or appointed on the advise of Justices of the Peace/Magistrates/Community workers.

Constitutionally, the county councils would exercise a degree of municipal self-government provided by the Constitution. 

Within the boundaries of the county the smaller Parish administration would exercise local self-government independent of the county councils. Each parish in the county could contribute a number of Council members dependent on size and population leading to lesser number of elected at the local levels.

  

Constitutional reform is matter of when, not if for a young democracy and it must be repeated that the constitution is not a stagnant document but a living scripture that changes constantly and must be continuously updated and reviewed.

Young democracies such as Jamaica have the advantage of learning from the mature democracies that have evolved through trials and errors.

Anti-Terrorism Gone Astray: Secret Resolution, Commitment, Denial and Proof(Maybe)

Secret Resolution (Sept. 24, 2014)

Almost three weeks had passed last year after the Jamaica had co-sponsored a United Nations resolution at the 69th session at the assembly in September to condemn the Islamic State(IS) militants and lead to the blocking of IS recruits from travelling to the battlefields and returning home to radicalize others. 
The Resolution 

was approved September 24, disclosure by Government October 10, 2014 - 12 days..

"So, why not at least a brief information-oriented statement for the benefit of the Jamaican people and their Caricom cousins as well?" (Jamaica Observer 05/10/14)

UN

Was the question posed by bajan Rickey Singh in his analysis of the Jamaicans government's "public silence" on the resolution.

The Jamaica Observer article on 09/10/14 headline read: 

Jamaica co-sponsors ISIS resolution

Opposition blasts Government on non-disclosure of UN participation

In the article the opposition Jamaica Labour Party is quoted saying

"the Government must recognize that the nation’s foreign relations  is a public matter which must, at all times, reflect the views, hopes and aspirations of its people, and the decisions taken on behalf of the people must always be fully transparent."

Commitment (October, 10 2015)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sen.AJ Nicholson

The Government via foreign affairs Minister Senator AJ Nicholson made the claim in the Senate after some probing by the opposition that

 Jamaica supports efforts to continue to give priority attention to combating the spread of terrorism, including focusing on finding a multidimensional and comprehensive approach to the problem.  (Jamaica Gleaner 10/10/14)

and also 

 considering its position, Jamaica had to take into account the geopolitical context in which the resolution was being tabled. The minister said terrorism in all forms constitutes a grave threat to international peace and security.(Jamaica Gleaner 13/10/14)

During that same Senate sitting the minister was asked by Opposition Senator Robert Montague on what would be done if Jamaican was taken hostage by terrorist - the Minister replied "What you want us to do, send the JDF (Jamaica Defence Force)?"

Denial(March 15, 2014)

  

Min. National Security MP Peter Bunting

Thus far this year that support seems to be dodgy at the least, taking into consideration the posture of the administration after reports surfaced from US Military intelligence that Jamaicans maybe apart of IS recruits from the region -  the National Security Ministry was quick to dismiss and chastised the Commander of the US Southern Command General John Kelly for not following his script; 

National Security Minister Peter Bunting said the prepared text of the speech delivered by General Kelly did not name Jamaica and, as a result, the reported comment may be the result of a misunderstanding. (Jamaica Gleaner 15/04/15)

the US has however said no mistake was made  and  double downed on the statements  made by General Kelly

a spokesman for the US Southern Command in Florida, Jose Ruiz, tells Nationwide News that General Kelly did not make a mistake. (Nationwide News 17/04/15)

Proof(Maybe) (April 6,2015) - (April 12,2015)

Before Obama's Visit this story popped up:

Keonna Thomas, 30, also known as Fatayat al-Khalifah and YoungLioness, was charged with trying to provide material support and resources, including herself as a fighter, to a foreign terrorist organisation.It's alleged that, having applied for a passport in February, she emailed a radical cleric in Jamaica, saying she had deactivated her Twitter account until she had left for for Syria to avoid attention. (AP 06/05/15)

Days after the President Obama visit that focused on partially on Security, the spotlight remains on the Island as another story surfaced

A Jamaican teenager has been detained in the South American country of Suriname on suspicion of being a would-be militant hoping to join Islamic extremists. (AP 12/05/15)

ISIS

It will be interesting to see how the Jamaican authorities treat this incident but also if this indeed a case of terrorist recruitment: how did this young man slipped through the mechanism that are/supposed to be in place according to resolution that

also urged members to intensify and accelerate the exchange of operational information regarding actions or movements of terrorists or terrorist networks through bilateral or multilateral mechanism

• Wasn't the same "Intelligence Agency" garnered by Suriname available to Jamaica?
• What does Jamaica have in place get, utilize and share the intelligence?
• Why isn't there a single database of a "no fly" designation by the region?

and many other questions must be answered... as another Jamaicans ISIS was made some days  before 

  In any case we've seen the failure/weaknesses of nations in the Caribbean region to fully cooperate and integrate sharing of intelligence that is crucial in stopping terrorism and transnational crime.