Letter of the Day | From political toddlerhood to developmental adulthood

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As Jamaica celebrates 64 years of political independence, we may be tempted to regard ourselves as a mature nation. Yet, in the long sweep of history, 64 years is relatively young. More importantly, aspects of our approach to development suggest that we are still in a kind of political toddlerhood.

Psychologist Jean Piaget described young children as engaging in “preoperational” thinking. One characteristic is “centration”, which involves focusing on the most salient feature of a situation while overlooking its broader relationships and long-term consequences. Although Piaget’s theory concerns individuals, it offers a useful analogy for Jamaica’s development culture.

Our leaders are often captivated by visible projects, ceremonial openings and events that offer immediate gratification. With elections constitutionally due within five years, development is too often compressed into an electoral timetable. We build what can be unveiled and celebrated, while neglecting maintenance, institutional reform and benefits that may emerge under another administration.

The Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, built for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, remains a troubling example. Despite warnings about Jamaica’s capacity to sustain another major stadium, the facility was constructed at a reported cost of US$30 million. After the initial excitement subsided, it became chronically underused, an expensive monument to event-driven development.

Now, there is a proposal to co-host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, alongside plans for a multibillion-dollar redevelopment of the National Stadium. This is an exciting opportunity for Jamaica and women’s football. Nevertheless, Trelawny demands that we ask: Have we matured, or are we preparing to repeat the same mistake?

Before committing billions, people deserve to see a long-term business and maintenance plan. What will the stadium contribute beyond 2031? How will it strengthen women’s football, athletics, community sport and sports tourism? Who will manage it and finance its upkeep?

Civil society also plays a vital role in this maturation. Its public voice should act as a mature parent: challenging, encouraging and supporting governments as the country journeys from political toddlerhood towards developmental adulthood. That voice must be consistent, regardless of which party holds office, neither destructively opposing every initiative nor uncritically applauding every announcement, but offering constructive scrutiny.

An immature society asks, “Can we build it for the event?” A mature society asks, “Can we sustain it for generations?” Governments must learn to think beyond elections; civil society must consistently help them to do so by playing the adult role, cautioning political leadership to look beyond the immediate gratification of episodic events.

FR DONALD CHAMBERS

frdon63@hotmail.com