It has been said many times before: democracy is not just about voting every few years. It is about participation. If this does not happen – if citizens’ voices are muzzled and those seeking transparency and accountability in government are accused of all kinds of dubious motives by governments and their supporters – then, democracy is weakened. Whether these citizens are discussing stronger anti-corruption measures, environmental and climate justice, economic empowerment, or representing the most marginalised in society, their voices should be heard. Meanwhile, the so-called “Vale Royal Talks” between Jamaican Government and Opposition politicians will take place soon.
Here’s an interesting quote from Louis Brandeis, the son of Jewish immigrants, from Louisville, Kentucky. Known as the “people’s attorney,” he gained a reputation as a formidable defender and advocate for everyday Americans in many areas, including labour conditions, anti-corruption issues, and more. He was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1916.
Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to be a law unto himself; it invites anarchy.
Justice Louis D. Brandeis
Here are the thoughts of Stand Up for Jamaica, as we go into the New Year – hopefully, with a more positive attitude and a more open mindset.
The people are the power
Human rights for all has been our mantra in helping Jamaicans to function in society. As the nation is marred with many issues that have allowed for the infringement on the citizens’ rights and freedom, there is no better time for us to join forces as civil societies to educate our nation about the importance of their participation in the governance process.
To combat injustice, corruption, and weak representation from our leaders, it is paramount that we implement accountability mechanisms at the national level and promote transparency, as it is crucial to our democracy.
Across the world, the civic space is under threat for the advocacy for change and the rights of the people. It is our duty to continue the fight in empowering citizens to realise their power and responsibility in the functioning of the society. The power is in the people, and we at Stand Up for Jamaica have a duty to educate the nation and encourage engagements and participation in a transparent and communicative atmosphere.
Jamaica has been struggling to address the crime problem, as our murder rate continues to increase across the parishes. We are yet to see a comprehensive plan to effect change from the community level, with the people being a part of the decisions made. We have seen continuous implementation of the States of Emergency, without consultation or a process being guided by research.
We believe the tool has lost its effectiveness, based on the recent JCF statistics. There needs to be a balance of power, and there has been mixed reaction to the approach in tackling the issue of crime. We strongly believe the approach has to be holistic and driven by research, which will allow us to target the crime producers and provide opportunities for Jamaicans to have a chance of a better standard of living.
Here is Justice Brandeis again, with the simple reminder:
The only title in our democracy superior to that of President is that of citizen.
Justice Louis D. Brandeis
Petchary's Blog 
At our monthly on-line CLS meeting this morning, the state of the trade unions in the Caribbean, the UK and elsewhere was discussed. The conclusion was that the working class (broadly defined) remains under dire threat, losing ever more ground since the onslaught started in 1980. Supression of trade union rights has lead to a stagnation, and now a decline of living standards everywhere, led by neo-liberal, capitalist ideology despite its clear signs of failure (especially since 2008) even on it own terms. This has extended into every other sphere of life, with any kind of protest being opposed with oppressive, authoritarian state action. In Jamaica’s case, sadly, the protest which arises from an economy that cannot provide opportunities to make a livable income is expressed through crime, rather than political action. The SOE’s etc are thus just one example of working class oppression. The final comment this morning was that protest is now not enough, progressive forces have to go beyond calls for partcipation and win state power BEFORE THINGS GETS WORSE (as it has done in the past, in the 1930s etc). Given a weak Labour Party leadership in the UK, trade unions (and others, including ex-members like me) are looking at another 1906 when the Labour Party was formed.
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I think you are absolutely right. But the trade unions must stand firm! The form of protest that you see in other countries just does not happen here, I am afraid. It’s very low key, if at all. That’s a very good point about crime though, as far as Jamaica is concerned; it’s a form of protest in itself – a desperate action, or reaction to the economic oppression. I hadn’t thought of it that way actually. And yes, it seems the UK Labour Party has to reinvent itself and go back to basics. Thank you SO much for your thoughts.
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At our monthly on-line CLS meeting this morning, the state of the trade unions in the Caribbean, the UK and elsewhere was discussed. The conclusion was that the working class (broadly defined) remains under dire threat, losing ever more ground since the onslaught started in 1980. Supression of trade union rights has lead to a stagnation, and now a decline of living standards everywhere, led by neo-liberal, capitalist ideology, despite its clear signs of failure (especially since 1008) even on it own terms. This has extended into every other sphere of life, with every kind of protest being opposed with oppressive, authoritarian state action. In Jamaica’s case, sadly, the protest which arises from an economy that cannot provide opportunities to make a livable income is expressed through crime, rather than political action. The SOE’s etc are thus just one example of working class oppression. The final comment this morning was that protest is now not enough, progressive forces have to go beyond calls for partcipation and win state power BEFORE THINGS GETS WORSE (as it has done in the past, in the 1930s etc). Given a weak Labour Party leadership in the UK, trade unions (and others, including ex-members like me) are looking at another 1906 when the Labour Party was formed.
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Reblogged this on Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News.
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