TIME OUT

Former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson is urging public officials to dial back the intense political rhetoric and character assassinations in the public space, slamming some utterances as “disgraceful”.

In a release on Thursday, Patterson, who exited representational politics in 2006, said he was extremely distressed witnessing the severe decline in the content and meaning of the second stanza of the national anthem, which implores Jamaicans to have respect for each other.

“ ... Utterances from some in the political sphere and positions of authority belittle us as a nation and also undermine respect for all. Public respect is rapidly descending to an all-time low. The language used routinely is distasteful, disgraceful, and comments are derogatory. The tone of their delivery is devoid of respect ... ,” he reflected.

Although the elder statesman did not pinpoint a specific incident, his comments come on the heels of a weekslong broadside against the Integrity Commission by members of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) since a foul-up in the tabling of a report and a consequent ruling in a matter involving Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Members of the opposition People's National Party (PNP) had also joined in the fray at times, heaping scorn on the corruption watchdog body.

More recently, statements made on political platforms and also in Parliament have drawn condemnation, including a 'Massa Mark' moniker Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke tagged to Opposition Leader Mark Golding and Golding's now-withdrawn comment entreating dead voters to cast ballots for the PNP, which led to a clash in the House of Representatives and a censure motion tabled against him. The motion was not pursued.

TRIGGERING EVENTS

The recent passing of amendments to allow for changing of the age of retirement for the director of public prosecutions (DPP) and the auditor general from 60 to 65 years have also triggered clashes inside and outside of the House, with the Opposition questioning the Government's motive for the perceived rush to pass the bills. The situation also caused tensions to boil over at the Office of the DPP itself.

This week, then chairman of the PNP's Human Rights Commission Isat Buchanan faced the heat for remarks made in reference to the DPP. Buchanan resigned from the post amid condemnation from several spheres. When the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica called on Golding, the PNP's president, to also apologise, the party fired back and accused the body of hypocrisy and that it displayed a "glaring bias", shocking President Metry Seaga.

“Increasingly, the public is made to endure intensely negative public discourse that abuses, demeans, and vilifies others. Instead of mutual respect, a small but vociferous number of our public speakers are consistently mean-spirited and vulgar. This appalling deterioration cannot be allowed to continue without our clear denunciation as one people out of many. We dare not remain silent as it cannot be condoned,” Patterson insisted.

He added that the hard work, sweat, and tears of the ancestors were being reduced with the unbridled disrespect from individuals who should know better.

“Without rebuke, we are failing to live up to our democratic ideals and undermining our country's ability to achieve its full potential. Undoubtedly, our ancestors, on whose shoulders we stand, would be appalled at the ugly and debasing public discourse in recent times. We have let them down,” he added.

Patterson noted that healthy open and public speech is fundamental to the democratic ideals of the country and could identify alternative policy options for the public good.

“... Through public discourse, we can challenge decision-makers, demand justification, and hold our leaders accountable. No person or office is exempt from criticism. In doing so, there will inevitably be disagreements. Nevertheless, civility and respect must be maintained ... ,” he stated.

“Crudity reduces belief in institutional legitimacy, undermines respect for opposing views, and further polarises our citizens. That, if unchecked or halted, will result in intolerable levels of partisan division and yield dangerous social tension. The startling truth is that it repels and never attracts an increase of political support ... ,” argued Patterson.

He added: “It is not to our benefit as a nation that our citizenry should disengage from public discourse because of the fear of vulgar personal abuse or reduce the available talent pool from which successive effective leadership will emerge. ... The despicable pattern of offensive utterances and vitriolic exchanges will deter rather than entice those idealistic members of the younger generation who aspire to engage in the political arena or render public service.”

erica.virtue@gleanerjm.com