It’s a well known fact around the world that, 2009, has been a year of challenges for almost every single country around the world. It will take “LEADERSHIP” on the part of all, government and its citizens alike to weather the storms of this recession and bounce back from the devastation caused by the greed of men. It has always been man’s inability to step back and reassess his actions at the critical moments in time, which has cause the world on several occasions to plunge into chaos.

One of the many signs of a good leader, is the willingness to listen and to make changes to his or her stated public position, even though, it might make him or her unpopular. This is not about a popularity contest or to become famous. Solomon of the bible got to be the wisest man, because he asked for wisdom to lead and it was given to him. Leaders ask for help…our country is populated by so many brilliant minds.

What, Jamaica need at this time, is NOT “brink-man-ship”, but LEADERSHIP, of a different kind. The “one-up-man-ship”, will not help the people, you (politicians) swear to serve. Tell them the truth no matter which side of parliament you sit.

I am Jamaican by birth but currently living outside of the country. Thousands of people have lost their jobs around the world and it’s not because of what the current govt did or did not do but the accumulated failures of the past and present governments along with a few short sighted business leaders. The leaders in public office need to tell the people the truth let them know, tough times are here and no one party has the solution. The problems of today calls for a multi party bi-partisan and not a bias one-sided opportunistic approach. Good health care,welfare programs, roads, schools etc does not appear out of thin air, the money to fund them comes from sensible tax programs. Leaders be fair and true to the people and they will be fair to you.

For heaven’s sake, leaders wake-up and lead, in the years to come its evident there will be more hardships and challenges. The people need to be “pitted” to seek “work-a-rounds” and solutions tailored for JA and not against each other. What good can come from a public protest, bearing in mind how, we Jamaicans can behave in these critical moments of frustration. We do not need a one at this time, what we need is reconciliation between the leadership of the parties and a working together for the country’s improvement.

The era of using people and coercing them with lies into the streets for party ideals should stop. This only breathes malice and contempt which manifest into the destruction of life and property.

Please politicians engage each other and the people in debate to seek a way forward not backward to the era of “nuh pull mi tongue” and “lok duh the contry tighter than a sardine”…..I beg yuh.

What we really need now is sound leadership stained with character, grit, fortitude, love, compassion, just to name a few qualities, our leaders need to embrace. Stop the hypocrisy that is so prevalent and begin to incite the people to be true to themselves. Inspire them with words of unity, love and respect for his fellowman.

Jamaica, is not the only country going through hardship at this time, many countries are facing deficits of monster proportions, which will take years to eliminate. The reality is that Governments left or right, PNP or JLP, democratic or republican, will have to make some hard choices. Let’s engage the fine minds we have in the country regardless of stripe or ideology debate the issues and come to a consensus on the way forward in the peoples favour.

Perhaps, I am an idealist or just naive to want or wish for unity at a critical time in history. Is it possible for our leaders to put aside party politics and work for the betterment of the people they vow to serve, is that too much to ask.

I am sick and tire and tire of being sick ……of the leadership vacuum
–Carlton