It has become apparent for some time now that the quality leadership inherent in good governance is lacking in Jamaica. This does not bode well for the immediate and near future.

Successive governments have failed to generate growth and stability in some critical sectors. The economy, education, agriculture and national security come readily to mind. The available data speak volumes. Our economy is in shambles, and has been for some time now. Despite the choking debt, our ministers of finance and planning have never utilised the planning portfolio of the ministry to cohesively interact with other ministries.

So it is not surprising that we are not seeing a satisfactory delivery of the required quality output from primary and secondary schools, a fact which condemns thousands of youths to hopelessness. The statistics are alarmingly embarrassing and represent a serious failure of leadership in this most critical sector.

We therefore cannot capitalise on our greatest asset - our talented young people - and this has a domino effect throughout the nation. And so, instead of having centers of excellence in a wide range of areas (using local and imported materials) to provide jobs and produce goods for local and export markets, we are left to rot in an insatiable reliance on loans and remittances, low national output and runaway crime and violence.

No bragging rights

In this environment, I do not think that our leaders have earned bragging rights, even if their grand-standings in Parliament and its committees suggest otherwise. Merrily, merrily, the unabashed and unashamed former and present minister of finance and planning lead the parliamentary cast in sound, fury and jest, as they try to outdo each other in their futile attempts to provide the critical leadership needed to guide the Jamaican economy. In many ways, we owe to both the plight we are in, even if in different degrees; each for his role from the shadows, as well as time spent at the helm.

Perhaps our leaders should give some thought to some real and honest introspection. Perhaps then we may all be led to the realization that we are not far from losing Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

DELFORD G. MORGAN

pepe.morgan@yahoo.com