Dennis Minott | Thoughts on trust and prime minister’s prosperity

Ronnie Thwaites’ article on Monday, September 23 raised a painfully critical issue: the erosion of trust in Jamaica’s public institutions and its most prominent leaders. The unsettling revelations surrounding the prime minister’s financial returns have only deepened this scepticism. The Integrity Commission’s findings cast a long, chilling, and ominous shadow over his leadership.

The trust deficit in Jamaica has deep roots, darkened by past betrayals and abuse of power. The Ruel Reid and Dudus affairs left wounds that, having never properly healed, continue to ooze distrust into the national consciousness. These events have exposed the fragility of faith in our leaders, showing how easily those in power can morph from protectors to predators, exploiting their authority for selfish gain.

Now, our nation’s psyche – and its youth – must contend with a new, twisted trinity: Dudus, Ruel, and Andrew. Is the last, verily, an unholy spirit hovering above us, insidious and invisible? I weep for the prospects of those beneath.

Is it any wonder, then, that the arrival of destitute Haitian CARICOM citizens at our doorsteps stirred little empathy? Too poor, too desperate for Jamaican care, they were ghosts before our very eyes – unseen, unwanted, and kickable krapo yo.

Thwaites argued that a society cannot function without trust at its core. Where trust is absent, coercion creeps in, replacing cooperation with fear and suspicion. Though the prime minister’s situation may not directly point to wrongdoing, it worsens an already stifling climate of doubt, one that seeps into every corner of governance, tainting it with dread and disbelief.

The Integrity Commission, an independent body, stands as a bastion against corruption. Its findings – damaging though they may be to the prime minister’s reputation – are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability. Yet, by casting doubt on the Commission’s integrity, the government risks further shredding the fragile remnants of public trust, inviting chaos into the heart of the democratic process.

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE

Thwaites also highlights the necessity of leadership by example. While personal wealth is not a sin, the perception that a leader has used his position to lucre-line his pockets is nothing short of poisonous. The prime minister’s reported impressive accumulation of wealth, and his newly minted PhD during his busy tenure, should be commendable – yet they raise uncomfortable questions about fairness, transparency, and whether his witness or ‘testimony’ stands up to the light.

Does he no longer heed the ancient warning to “shun the very appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22)? What has become of Andrew’s spiritual first love? Has it soured, turned to something darker, more calculating?

In the end, the issue of trust stretches far beyond mere politics – it strikes at the very heart of a functioning society. To restore trust, the government must address the Integrity Commission’s concerns head-on, with unflinching honesty and transparency. Only then can it begin the long, laborious task of rebuilding public faith and breathing life back into the guardrails of our democratic institutions.

To address the pressing issues of empathy and societal values in Jamaica, it is crucial to recognise the interconnectedness of trust, compassion, and social responsibility. The recent discourse surrounding the prime minister’s leadership and the integrity of public institutions has unveiled a deeper malaise within Jamaican society – one marked by a loss of empathy that manifests in various troubling behaviours and attitudes.

EROSION OF EMPATHY

The lack of empathy towards Haitian refugees seeking shelter in Jamaica starkly illustrates this decline. These individuals arrive in dire circumstances, seeking safety and support, yet they are often met with state-sanctioned indifference or hostility. This callousness reflects a broader societal trend where the struggles of others are overlooked, revealing a disturbing disconnect between those in power and the marginalised populations they are meant to serve.

The recent tragic incident at Sangster International Airport, where a 71-year-old man collapsed and bled on the floor without immediate medical assistance, underscores this erosion of empathy. Eyewitness accounts suggest that an ambulance crew, arriving only after he had clearly died, implied to grieving relatives that payment was required for their services. The historical context of Jamaica’s own struggles with poverty and inequality should foster a sense of solidarity; yet many seem to turn a blind eye to the plight of their neighbours.

CRUELTY ON THE ROADS

Moreover, the rampant cruelty observed on Jamaican roads – where reckless driving and disregard for pedestrians have become commonplace – mirrors this loss of empathy. The daily experiences of road users reveal a culture that prioritises individualistic pursuits over communal safety and respect. This behaviour not only endangers lives but also signifies a troubling shift away from shared values that prioritise community well-being. The alarming tendency for drivers to prioritise the cleanliness of their car interiors over assisting accident victims further illustrates this point.

CULTURAL APPROVAL OF CONSPICUOUS WEALTH

In tandem with these issues is the cultural approval of conspicuous wealth displayed by our leaders amid widespread poverty. The ostentatious lifestyles flaunted by some politicians and elites stand in stark contrast to the realities faced by many Jamaicans struggling to make ends meet. Such displays not only alienate those who are suffering but also perpetuate a narrative that equates success with material accumulation rather than genuine service to the community. This disconnect fosters resentment and further erodes trust in leadership.

PRETENTIOUS COMPASSION IN EDUCATION

The situation is compounded by a pretentiousness in feigned compassion within educational institutions. As educational standards decline, many schools promote an image of caring and support while grappling with systemic failures that leave students ill-prepared for the future. The disparity between rhetoric and reality creates disillusionment among students and parents alike, further contributing to a culture where empathy is overshadowed by self-interest. “Pools” in Jamaican school timetabling is such a shameless and widespread manifestation of this regressive and pervasive self-interest. And ICHS and Titchfield need to understand that MOEY’s directives on matriculation ought to be followed closely if our schools are to receive public money for educating our deserving Jamaican children despite the peculiarities of particular principals. A IV in CAPE is a clearly creditable pass anyway.

ELITE FASHION AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Additionally, the elite’s obsession with fashion – such as expensive Clarks shoes and luxury SUVs – while posing as champions for human rights underscores this hypocrisy. The focus on appearances rather than substantive action diminishes the credibility of those who claim to advocate for social justice while simultaneously benefiting from systems that perpetuate inequality.

The intertwining issues of trust, empathy, and societal values in Jamaica demand urgent attention. To rebuild a society grounded in compassion, it is essential for leaders to lead by example, demonstrating genuine concern for all citizens – not just those who can elevate their status through photo opportunities or social capital. A collective effort is needed to foster an environment where empathy thrives, ensuring that every Jamaican feels valued and supported. Only through such commitment can we hope to restore trust in our institutions and create a more equitable society for all, ‘Dr The Most Honourable’ ... or not.

Dennis Minott, PhD, is the CEO of A-QuEST-FAIR. He is a multilingual green resources specialist, a research physicist, and a modest mathematician who worked in the oil and energy sector. Send feedback to a_quest57@yahoo.com or columns@gleanerjm.com