Curtis Ward | Jamaica, a country without borders, is fiction

The idea that Jamaica is a country without borders while resonating with Jamaicans abroad (the diaspora) is not only a fiction, but fast becoming a lie. It makes us feel good about Jamaica’s reach and possible influence, but I might even be kind and say it is now ‘a fantasy’. Several Jamaicans at home are backsliding on this grand idea. At the same time, many Jamaicans in the diaspora are playing their part to make this a reality and to make Jamaica proud. Many are oblivious to this patently obvious betrayal.

Jamaicans in the diaspora are fast becoming disillusioned that this concept reflects a mutuality of interests. There is disappointment that those who profit from this relationship of the diaspora to the homeland, including members of the private sector, have remained silent. The Gleaner, with its great reputation, has now made a 180 degree reversal on its prior position on this issue.

From the early years of Jamaica’s journey into nationhood, Jamaicans in the diaspora have played an important role. While providing ideas and resources, Jamaicans abroad have been expected to support Jamaica’s interests in foreign capitals. And they have.

On numerous occasions, Jamaicans abroad have rallied to the defence of Jamaica’s sovereignty and defended Jamaica’s right to self-determination as an independent nation. Jamaicans have influenced their host governments policies towards Jamaica. Diaspora leaders have walked the corridors of power – executive and legislative – in order to influence policy- and decision-making favouring Jamaica. But most importantly, they can only be effective if they are citizens in the country they seek to influence. In other words, they must become dual citizens to effectively assist their country of birth and heritage.

DIFFICULT DECISION

But this is a difficult decision members of the Jamaican diaspora are now being asked, rather forced to make. Members of the diaspora must choose between preserving their options to be able to serve Jamaica at home, at any level, that is in their homeland, or they give up that right to use their acquired influence to promote Jamaica’s interests in the countries in which they have acquired citizenship.

While that does not explain why so many Jamaicans currently maintain permanent residency in the United States for decades and not acquiring US citizenship, it might soon become the norm. It will be adverse to Jamaica’s long-term interests. But, and this is extremely important, in order to have any influence over US policy to Jamaica, one must be able to vote for members of the legislatures and executive branches of government – local, state, and federal. Citizenship is qualification to vote and influence. Politicians do not give deference to the opinions of non-citizens who cannot vote. In fact it is near impossible for a non-US citizen to get an audience with a legislator or members of the executive branch. And without that personal interaction one cannot hope to have any influence over policy and decisions.

Thus, the self-serving policies of successive Jamaican governments are to encourage, indeed urge Jamaicans in the diaspora to become citizens in the country they reside. These same governments then tell members of the diaspora they are not worthy of service to Jamaica in high positions.

HYPOCRITICAL

This policy is hypocritical and so is any support for such policy. That’s why I believe The Sunday Gleaner editorial of July 14 is based on a flawed premise and interpretation of fealty to one’s country. The measure of patriotism is much more than that. The measure of patriotism lies in the sacrifices one makes at all times to serve one’s country, but more so when called upon to give up a special and often significant benefit. But sacrifice of a special privilege to prove fealty or patriotism is not supported by historical facts. For Jamaica the nexus between patriotism and dual citizenship is only a theory. This is a theory elevated for self-serving political reasons. I take exception to this theoretical formulation. It is ‘flim-flam’ theory, defined in the dictionary Definitions from Oxford Languages as “nonsensical or insincere talk”.

Sacrifices should be a personal decision and not forced upon anyone to accord with another’s narrow interpretation of patriotism or fealty related to service to one’s country. I repeat, such narrow interpretation is politically self-serving.

The next time the prime minister, or agents of the Jamaican Government, come ‘selling’ Jamaican passports and dual citizenship to second- and third-generation Jamaicans in the diaspora, please be transparent and tell the ‘purchasers’ that acquiring or having a Jamaican passport does not bestow any real rights. Tell them, the not-so-hidden truth; it is a mere token of acknowledgement of your dual heritage. It is ‘flim-flam’ – it is “a swindle”, as per the dictionary cited above.

I would like to make it very clear I have no interest in serving in Jamaica’s parliament, whether appointed or elected. I have no desire to engage in representational politics. I am way past that stage in my life. But I still have the ability – experience and capability – to serve my country of birth in other capacities and at any level. I would never shirk from such duty. I never had. I have made sacrifices before. My patriotism is not, and has never been, in question.

There are many highly qualified members of the diaspora, who are much younger than I am, with the capacity to make significant contributions to Jamaica’s governance and development. They are willing to serve. They should not be denied.

Curtis Ward is former ambassador of Jamaica to the United Nations, with special responsibility for security council affairs. He is an attorney and international consultant on geopolitical and international security issues and is an anti-corruption advocate. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.