FILE
Guns confiscated in a police raid last year.Chris Tufton, Contributor
The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), in their New Year's message, has issued a call for all Jamaicans "to step forward and get involved this year in the effort to make Jamaica a more peaceful, orderly and humane society". The common themes of the organisation's message was for Jamaicans to engage against, crime, injustice, drugs, corruption, extortion, and demand a more orderly society, with efficient public services and employment opportunities. Indeed, the organisation's ten-point suggestion seems more synonymous with a national values and attitudes campaign, than with what would normally be expected of a business Association. But then, these are not normal times.
NATIONAL CONCERNS
In a country that has managed to murder more that 1,200 people last year; one of the highest on a per capita basis in the world, including high levels of domestic violence; an increasingly major transhipment port for hard drugs; a sluggish local economy for over a decade; and perceptions of corruption within the public service, the leadership of the private sector could have hardly set an alternative agenda, without appearing aloof or out of touch with the realities on the ground. And with a general election on the horizon; and our history of elections, the PSOJ knows too well that it is highly likely that we are poised for further and more devastating social explosion, with longer-term economic consequences. And so, for all practical purposes, and in the interest of all Jamaicans, the PSOJ's agenda is timely and appropriate.
Timely and appropriate maybe, but if there is to be tangible follow-through, this is likely to sap the resources and energies of a business organisation, who's main focus, in a context of regional trade and an increasingly knowledge based global economy, should be geared towards enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of its members, in advance of an increasingly competitive regional and global marketplace. Certainly there is a direct link between the social and economic environment, and self-interest correctly dictates that the private sector should be concern about the state of social decay in our society. But social stability is primarily, although not solely, a state responsibility. However, all indications point to a state that has, and is failing to address social decay. The PSOJ is attempting to make a positive impact, but they should be careful not to underestimate the challenge they face, and risk being branded another 'talk shop'.
THE RULE OF APATHY
The facts are that for the most part, Jamaicans seem tuned out to all aspects of legitimate structures of leadership, and in many cases, for good reason. The call for civil society to rise up against crime is a case in point.
Frequently made, seldom heeded. This is so whether it comes from the police, the preacher, teacher and worst of all, the politicians. Sadly, leadership has lost credibility among follower-ship, and the consequences are obvious. The people have tuned out and have instead put their fate in the cross, a one-way airline ticket, or at the community level, the community 'dons' or 'protectors'.
In this context, the PSOJ's agenda is timely and appropriate, but not unique. How that agenda is actualised is the challenge, and will determine how the stewardship of that organisation is assessed at the end of its term in office. That organisation's challenges are further compounded by the perception, of sections of the society, that identify it as part of the problem, and therefore having little credibility or incentive to be the catalyst towards fundamental change.
The recent financial sector collapse has only fuelled the perception that business leaders are selfish, corrupt and/or incompetent as some policy makers. It is unwise to adopt such a cynical view. However, the organisation should recognise that that view exist, and if not addressed, is likely to undermine any attempts to fill a leadership vacuum, where clearly one exists.
TANGIBLE RESULTS
If the PSOJ is truly intent on making a difference (and I believe they are); standing out as leaders among leaders, they will need to demonstrate a tangible contribution to one, or a combination of the more pressing social problems faced by the country today, while holding policy makers accountable for future performance. These are the areas identified by the public as the most significant failures. That organisation's New Year's message has correctly identified a number of the socio-political issues, requiring urgent attention. That's a good start. However, the true test is being credited with a tangible, positive result towards a better society.
This year, the most significant national activity impacting the lives and livelihood of all Jamaicans (whether they participate or not), will be the general elections. Jamaicans would take note if that organisation demonstrably impacts the freeness and fairness of those elections. Could the PSOJ use their influence and resources, working with other civic groups, to mobilise and co-ordinate honest and well-thinking Jamaicans to work in polling stations on Election Day? This is just one of the many possibilities. For all our sakes, as Jamaicans, we should support any effort of this nature, initiated by this organisation, or any other. In recognition of its good intentions, I say good luck to the PSOJ.
Christopher Tufton is a doctoral candidate at Manchester Business School in England. Send comments to ctufton@man.mbs.ac.uk.
