Jamaican political leaders must resist public discourse

Jamaican political leaders are asked to avoid public discourse and derogatory comments, a suggestion declared by the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon PJ Patterson.

Patterson denounced the advancing, derogatory disagreements coming from the political leaders and those in authority during a message to the nation, as Jamaicans observe the 185 years of the nation’s Emancipation from slavery and the 61st year of political independence from England. Both Emancipation Day, August 1, 1838, and Independence Day, August 6, 1962, are acknowledged as a combination of the two days observing them with cultural activities and affirming the freedom and the significance of the milestones in the nation’s history.

The Former Prime Minister, PJ Patterson in his speech to the nation, stated that political leadership and citizens in authority in nation are engaging in distasteful and disgraceful public discourse that “belittle us as a nation and sets a poor example for our children.” Mr. Patterson further noted that the national anthem of Jamaica “is a staple for Jamaicans.” “We do not question its importance or its intrinsic worth,” he stated. Patterson commented on the severe decline in what the second stanza of the national anthem implores, “Teach us true respect for all.” he stated. Patterson said public respect is rapidly descending to an all-time low. The former Prime Minister noted that the language from the political leaders is disrespectful and distasteful, and the tone of the delivery is devoid of respect.

Patterson also noted that without rebuke, Jamaica is failing to live up to its democratic ideals and undermining the country’s ability to achieve its full potential.

He said that open and public speech, at any course whether public deliberation, debate, or dispute, is fundamental to Jamaica’s democratic ideal. However, it is not to the benefit of the 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 former Prime Minister said. In continuing he said that through the public dialogue, collectively, “we debate opinions and identify alternative policy options for the public good…In doing so, there will inevitably be disagreements. Nevertheless, civility and respect must be maintained,” he suggested.

The former Jamaican Prime Minister reminded the Jamaican leaders that children are watching, listening, and imitating, “How can we impart appropriate values and attitudes to them when such poor examples are set by some in political discourse on matters of political importance.”

Patterson reminded Jamaican that there should be no room for intolerance and disrespect. He asked that local leaders and those in authority desist from personal attacks and coarse, offensive speech that destroys the fabric of healthy discourse, “while serving to undermine the exercise of our hard-won democratic freedoms,” Patterson declared.