Diaspora Group Makes Demands

 http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20200912/diaspora-group-makes-demand-govt

All of these demands are reasonable. They ain't gonna happen. We in the diaspora believe in the fantasy that the political elite are just going to voluntarily give us a say in the affairs of Jamaica. That is naive. Politics does not work that way. The politicians are going to give the vote, give this power to a bunch of Jamaicans in safer countries who can speak their minds and call them to account? I don't think so. The diaspora is only a cow to be milked. Do you not feel the tugs on your udders? When I was in Jamaica and spoke out in the 70s and 80s, I and my business was harassed and I received threats. Call the police? I was even once threatened by a policeman! I had to leave Jamaica. Jamaica is a corrupt, violent place with a corrupt political establishment. We in the diaspora HAVE to send our money to our loved ones in Jamaica so that gives us no leverage. We cannot withdraw our support for the Jamaican economy because that would hurt our loved ones too. What we in the diaspora need to do is become a part of the Jamaican civil society. Diaspora organizations need to join with civil society (private sector, media, church, army, police federation, unions, etc) to form a Government of National Unity with Vision 2030 as its manifesto. Do not, do not form another political party. We need more politicians like we need a hole in the head. If His Holiness does not conform with that and form a Government of National Unity which would include the opposition, then cut him off and switch support. Play one against the other until they will do the right things: lock up the corrupt among them, diaspora vote, electoral and constitutional reform, etc. Just staying in Britain and listing 'priorities' is futile. We have to DO something. Ball back in your court.

Raymond D. Grant
Research Director, EXILED
Canada Cell: (867) 445 - 2865

Immigrants, Migrant Workers and Refugees - Making the World a Better Place for All

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