(Jamaica Gleaner) Jamaica’s finance minister has blamed the country’s under performance since independence on the absence of effective parliamentary oversight and transparency as well as political tribalism.
Speaking to Kiwanians at a function at the Mico Counselling Centre in St Andrew this morning, a frustrated Phillips lamented that political tribalism, in particular, had paralyzed the country’s capacity to make difficult decisions about its future.
Phillips, who is the finance minister, said tribalism has led to severe consequences for the country, particularly a deterioration in national standards. He said that in too many instances, tribalism had led people to settle for less than acceptable standards because of the political affiliation of persons guilty of the breaches.
He added that the tense political climate often make people and organizations afraid to praise or criticize either of the major political parties for fear of being labeled as being in support of one party or the other.
Phillips said trust in the political directorate has also eroded, while participation in the political process has declined. However, he says standing on the sidelines is not an option for Jamaicans at this time and called for greater participation in the development process.
The Government official said all sectors and organizations must play a part in the governance process in order to move forward.
