Wendel Abel

As a people, we have been scourged and subordinated by the shackles of slavery and colonialism; we have been emasculated by perennial economic underdevelopment.

This week, we pause to reflect, honour and acknowledge those Jamaicans - our heroes - who in a self-sacrificing manner contributed to the building of this society. Their achievements are compatible with the ideals of a good society.

Our heroes all dreamt of creating a good society. Through their efforts, we have advanced in every sphere but still we are not there yet. Jamaica is still distorted in the psychological and social spheres and, therefore, the realisation of that good society is eluding us. We have many challenges to overcome in order to create that good society.

Elements of a good society

This good society must be one in which every individual is given an opportunity to serve, contribute and self-actualise. Unfortunately, far too many of our young people are unemployed or underemployed. The system has failed them and they are locked out of the opportunity structure. Living here but not belonging here, they have little commitment and attachment to this society.

A good society is one in which the fundamental unit of socialisation — the family — is stable. Our family units were distorted by slavery and disrupted by history. What we have is a distorted family structure characterised by the absence of the father in 60 per cent of homes; males who are irresponsible; high levels of abuse of all kinds and families torn apart by separation and migration.

A good society is one that establishes safe, stable and structured communities. It gives its members an opportunity to share in the physical space, to live decently and in dignity. Almost half of the population lives in unplanned or squatter settlements and in inner-city communities, many of which are bereft of the basic amenities and are crime infested.

A good society is one that prides itself in a system of governance in which its leaders are respectful and accountable. Instead, we have a political system that has become self-serving, corrupt and deceitful. A good society is one that encourages appropriate systems of governance at all levels and not one in which warlords and dons control communities through fear and illegal activities.

A good society is one that engenders good attitudes and appropriate values. Its members are encouraged to place values on honesty and integrity. We have a distorted Church, laden with spiritual contradictions and professing a form of godliness yet denying the power thereof. We have a spiritual establishment that calls down fire and brimstone on its members, devalues and denigrates them and does not uplift and elevate.

A good society is one that respects fundamental human rights and attempts to include all its members despite their colour, race, religion, creed, sexual orientation and political affiliation. We have become divisive and intolerant and sometimes violent towards some members of our society.

A good society ensures that it is governed by laws and social norms that that are fully enforced and applied; it is one in which all its members are entitled to a sense of justice regardless of colour, class and status. The wheels of justice move far too slowly in this country and, for too many persons, it is either delayed or denied.

A good society is one that strives to ensure that each of its members realise his or her full potential; feels that he or she has a role in the decision making process; is included in the opportunity structure and is protected by the society.

As we reflect on the contribution of our heroes, let us commit ourselves to create a good society. In the creation of this new society, Buju Banton reminds us that 'it is not an easy road' and Bob Marley challenges us to 'emancipate ourselves from mental slavery'.

Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept. of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.