Is anarchy in Jamaica fact or fiction?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I wish to raise an issue for the consideration and determination of all well-thinking Jamaicans. I leave each individual, each group or organisation, and those who wish the nation well, to consider and answer these for themselves.

Various dictionaries provide definitions of anarchy as follows:

1. “a state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority or other controlling systems”

2. “absence of government and absolute freedom of the individual, regarded as a political ideal”

3. “a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority” and defines “ ‘absence of order’ as disorder”.

Using only the non-recognition of authority component of the meanings, it is reasonable to conclude that there are, at a minimum, where anarchy prevails:

a: geographical locations

b: economic systems

c: social systems

d: transportation systems

The issue for consideration is whether we wish for this otherwise beautiful land of Jamaica with its over-abundance of worldwide successes to be conjoined with an anarchical image. If yes, then we are on the right path. If no, we need to take urgent stock of ourselves as a people and as a government – and here I am not referring to party government but to the system and practice of political, civil service and private sector governance over the last 60 years.

Accountability applies at every level, and we cannot avoid our individual and corporate responsibility to change this trajectory. To do so would make a mockery of the sacrifices of those on whose shoulders a (currently) proud Jamaica now stands.

Can the trajectory be changed?

LT CDR JOHN MCFARLANE