The PSOJ's 2005 Declaration of Emancipation Park contains nothing new. While I agree with all the points laid out in the declaration, various entities have been calling for these steps for years. What is different about this call? Does the PSOJ think that the government is going to make an about-face because of a half day shut-down?
I also find it interesting that the declaration contained this line: "Be it resolved that effective May 25, 2005, the citizens of Jamaica hereby unite to restore law, order and freedom from fear to our country." Has the PSOJ been talking to the man in the street? Do they realise that the overwhelming view is that this lockdown "only happen 'cause a big man dead....them no really care bout we." An initiative such as this cannot be successful if there is no groundswell of support from the average man.
The token gesture by Grace Kennedy of donating half a day's profit may serve to further alienate the average man from the PSOJ. Half a day's profit. Five million dollars. More money than the minimum-wage earning Jamaican will earn in 40 years, made in half a day. Why not contribute one day's profit a month? That'll only be 3.2% of the annual profit. A small price to pay to help get the country back on track.
There has to be much more of a sacrifice on the part of Jamaican corporations if they expect to garner a modicum of support at the grass-roots level. They have to show, in a meaningful, tangible way, that they are serious about tackling crime. Rhetoric and token gestures simply won't do.
The same goes for the statement issued by the Prime Minister. The government must lead by example, not by rhetoric. If only the PM got as worked up about crime and the current state of Jamaica as he did about the CCJ perhaps we'd be in a different situation today. The country is fed up of statements with no follow up.
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