That, however, is assuming that the office of the post of governor general, as head of state, representing the Queen, is one that Jamaica retains for some time. This appears likely, given the slow progress that has been made on constitutional reform, even on matters less contentious than how a governor general would be selected and the powers he would enjoy if Jamaica opted to be a republic, as now appears to be one of the few points of consensus.
Our earlier reflection on Dr Allen focused primarily on the constitutional evolution of the job in a context where Jamaica's governors general of more recent vintage have been asked to assume powers not specifically assigned in the country's Constitution. The naming, in his sole discretion, of the "independent" members of the Electoral Commission is, up to now, perhaps the most significant of the GG's expanded remit.
This evolution of the job has happened because the office, unlike any other in the country, enjoys the trust of the Jamaican people. Judging from his inaugural speech, Dr Allen recognises this fact and seems intent on leveraging it.
His predecessor, Sir Kenneth Hall, as Dr Allen acknowledged, during his three years at King's House, made the empowerment and advancement of the youth his specific theme outside his formal constitutional duties. He had significant success, but the difficulties involving youth, which really are part of wider societal issues, are too deep and fundamental for Sir Kenneth to have been transformational. His time was too short for him to have developed a movement, which is what Dr Allen appears to have set as his mission.
The focus of the new governor general, however, is to inspire belief in Jamaica: a mantra of "I believe".
He said: "(It) must be etched in every classroom, the screensaver on every computer and cellphone; it must be internalised in the heart of every student, until dreams are born in the hearts of our children as to who they can become and the contribution they can make to the development of this nation."
The cynics will claim a certain naivety on the part of Dr Allen. We hear in those words echoes of Michael Manley, but a vision not declared from across a partisan divide. And it is an idea so simple, yet profound, that Dr Allen could find success where Mr Manley, for all his charisma and oratory skills, failed.
The difference, in that regard, would be the trust that the office inspires, unhindered by the divisiveness of partisan politics. But success, however, will require a skill that appears to have withered in Jamaica - the capacity to mobilise. And it will demand tremendous energy.
On this score, we give Dr Allen the benefit of the doubt and see in his declaration the embryo not only of a national movement, but a formal young people's organisation embracing and proselytising this vision - a fusion of Dr Allen's vision and that of his predecessor. For, almost anything is possible if you believe.
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