Deconstructing the PM's decision to quit

The big news this week is of course Prime Minister, Bruce Golding's indication of an intention to resign his position. We know that events can rapidly change in politics but this event certainly warrants psychological deconstruction. We need to frame this event in the context of our psychological and political development as a people.

It was a surprise

The Prime Minister's announcement on a Sunday took the entire country, including the media, by great surprise. You want to kill a news story present it on a Friday. You want to prevent leaks and gain attention present it on a Sunday and so it was. As the message spread on Sunday afternoon the entire country came out of its Sunday evening slumber, the media scrambled and the political activists on both sides of the fence were rallied. A day in politics is indeed a long time.

Public opinion

I could not avoid listening to the talk shows and the tide of public opinion seems to suggest that the Prime Minister has done the right thing. Some people have been saying that Mr Golding should be recognised for his service to our political process. Others think that he meant well but that his political career got mired in the 'Dudus extradition affair'.

Some people feel that this intention to resign heralds a new day for Jamaica. It shows that our democracy is maturing and that our leaders are willing to accept responsibility and step aside for the common good. Some people even view Mr Golding's intended action as selfish but that history will vindicate him one day.

Let's change the old guards

Interestingly a lot of people are now calling for a new leadership to emerge in our political process. There is an overwhelming body of citizens calling for younger people who were born closer to independence to take over the leadership mantle. They feel the old guards have failed us miserable.

The country has been divided and tribalised politically. The 'old guards' created a politics of garrisons, guns and gangs and they played with and courted the dons. We are now struggling to rebuild a society virtually destroyed by garrison, politics and crime. The economy is in shambles and Jamaica is now listed among the worst economies in the world. There is a call for new leadership, one that can inspire hope and reunite the country.

The rise of civil society

This and many events that have taken place in Jamaica certainly highlights the growing role of civil society in this country. The people of Jamaica have taken back this country and are holding our leaders more accountable. This augurs well for our evolving democracy.

A game-changer

The proposed resignation of the Prime Minster is a game-changer. Both political parties must now look inward, reflect and strategise as they prepare for imminent elections. The game has changed. Let the games play on!

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept. Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.