Manipulating the Democratic Process is Morally Corrupt Ambassador Curtis A. Ward The fact that the law is deficient should not give rise to manipulation of the democratic process. It is neither “gamesmanship” or “strategic” as some commentators seem to believe that it is. The truth is political manipulation is anathema to the democratic process. It is morally wrong. And it is corrupt. It should not be dismissed as partisan politics or merely taking advantage of the political system. The...
Autocracy in practice, Jamaica beware Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (01 September 2024) — It is creeping autocracy which often goes unnoticed. This writer has been raising awareness of the inherent dangers of creeping autocracy in Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean. The warning is repeated here. Young Floyd Green is likable and considered to be among an emerging new generation of leadership in Jamaican politics. But he keeps making mistakes which raise questions about the maturity of his...
Licensed to Kill Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (25 August 2024) — There are two contending forces in the context of crime and security in Jamaica, though not unique to any country. On one side, there are purveyors of violent crimes who prey on society to enrich themselves, violently engage in revenge against opponents, and terrorize to control segments of the population. On the other is the state and the agents of the state whose responsibilities are to protect and guarantee society’s...
Jamaica, a country without borders is a fiction Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (21 July 2024) — The idea that Jamaica is a country without borders while resonating with Jamaicans abroad (the diaspora) is not only a fiction but fast becoming a lie. It makes us feel good about Jamaica’s reach and possible influence, but I might even be kind and say it is now ‘a fantasy’. Several Jamaicans at home are backsliding on this grand idea. At the same time, many Jamaicans in the diaspora...
UK elections and opportunities for CARICOM engagement Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (15 July 2024) — Congratulations are in order to UK’s new prime minister the Hon. Keir Starmer on his Labour Party’s resounding victory and to the Hon. David Lammy on his appointment as UK’s foreign secretary. With the perception of a Labour Party-led UK government being more likely to be respective of the Commonwealth Caribbean concerns than was the previous Conservative Party government, it wouldn’t...
Dual Citizenship and the Opposition Leader’s decision Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (15 July 2024) – The question of dual citizenship has evolved into a vexing issue for Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, perhaps for different reasons. Some really don’t care. I have heard some voice disgust that their loyalty to Jamaica, the land of their birth, is even being put into question, adding that many who now want to make a distinction have not demonstrated the loyalty they expect of others...
Carnage in the streets and the government’s response Ambassador Curtis A Ward (05 July 2024) — It’s hard for me or any well-thinking Jamaican to believe the Minister of National Security or the Commissioner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) that crime is under control, or that there is a reduction in crime. The often-repeated positive statements which border on self-praise about progress in dealing with crime belie the facts about the intractable crime problem facing the...
State of American politics, the fall of the Republican Party Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (03 July 2024) — The Republican party has lost its way. That’s grossly understated. The Republican party is on a path to self-destruction. It is now subsumed by the Trump-led MAGA movement. Most republicans know this. Most Americans see this happening in real time. Every news cycle brings new evidence to support this premise. Most don’t seem to know how to respond. Some Republicans serving in or...
Democracy or Democratic Process without the dividends Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (04 June 2024) — For a long time, I have exalted Jamaica as an example of democracy that other countries should want to emulate. The Jamaica democratic process, despite its faults, represented a system of government which operates on the presumption that power is vested in the people to choose their leaders and for those chosen to be accountable to the entire nation. It exemplified a form of governance that...
No bastard Citizens of Jamaica at home and abroad Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (24 May 2024) — We are joined by the spirit of the land we call the “Rock”. We are bound by the country of our heritage, where ours or our ancestors’ umbilical cords, our navel strings, are buried. We are bound by being Jamaicans by birth or descent. Being Jamaicans by birth or by descent make us no less Jamaican. And whether living in Jamaica or abroad we are all Jamaicans Most importantly, we are bound by...
