Is Jamaican Democracy at Risk?

 

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/commentary/20230312/don-anderson-jamaican-democracy-risk

The Jamaican state and its politics have been hijacked by a cabal made up of corrupt JLP/PNP politicians, a corporate elite who finances them, a corrupt police force, a loyal army and a compliant media. Jamaicans, wise to that fact, have withdrawn from the process. This withdrawal delegitimizes the whole electoral process. Normally, such a situation would give rise to new political movements but the system is set against that happening. Both parties have a lock on corporate financing as they do the bidding of the corporate elite. Both parties start with the advantage of at least 13 guaranteed garrison constituencies' support between them. The media ignores any new political movements such as the United Independents' Congress. Without media or corporate financial support it is very difficult for any new political movement to get traction. In this scenario, there should be a social explosion. However, the opiates of ganja, entertainment, gambling, religion, remittances, emigration and proceeds from crime have relieved the social pressure enough so that things remain relatively calm in Jamaica. This state of social equilibrium can remain indefinitely and will not be disturbed by those who benefit by it the most - the politicians and the corporate elite.

Raymond D. Grant

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