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'We Take the Business of Social Inclusion Very Seriously'

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'We Take the Business of Social Inclusion Very Seriously' E70 In Focus Jamaica ‘We take the business of social inclusion very seriously’ INTERVIEW Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller speaks exclusively to Global on reducing the national debt, catering for the most vulnerable people in society and the country’s sporting achievements Jamaica’s fi rst female Prime Minister was with the attendant increase in taxation, Social partnerships are a means by which initially elected to offi ce in 2006. After contraction in government expenditure, countries can cope with harsh economic just a year Portia Simpson-Miller’s party, and improved facilitation of investment circumstances. Success lies not only the People’s National Party, narrowly lost and job creation. In the early stages of our in concluding the partnership, but in a general election, consigning her to fi ve Economic Reform Programme, there is maintaining it as well. How do you intend to years in opposition. Re-elected in 2012, inevitably some loss of jobs, cost of living ensure that this partnership is sustained? Simpson-Miller – a graduate of Harvard increases and slow economic growth. We The partnership will be sustained by and the Institute of Management and have also been doing everything possible maintaining the focus on the agreed Production in Jamaica – stood on an agenda to protect the poor and the most vulnerable. targets, the agreed modalities of dialogue of republicanism and gay rights. But we have to keep our attention focused to a purpose, and the spirit which has been on the medium- and long-term goals and shown within the Partnership Council Global: This is your second term in offi ce. maintain our resolve to do what it takes to throughout the year. We also intend to What did you learn from your fi rst term, return our country to economic buoyancy engage the broader society through the and what are you doing differently this and social equity. Partnership Council as a body and through time around? its members in their respective spheres of Portia Simpson-Miller: People value a On 31 July, you signed – on behalf of infl uence, knowing that understanding each record of performance, but they are also the government – the Partnership other, the ability to disagree respectfully and excited by change. My year and a half as for Jamaica Agreement (PFJ), the an emphasis on agreed specifi c outcomes Prime Minister was not long enough to fi rst ever social partnership agreement all facilitate our working on solutions – accomplish what was necessary in 2006- in Jamaica. You emphasised that this rather than complaining about problems. 07. My administration received a mandate agreement marked a critical point in the in 2011 for a more united, disciplined nation’s history. Can you elaborate further Distrust in social and political and ‘joined-up’ approach to governance, on this? institutions – largely resulting from involving more communication with the The signing of the Partnership for Jamaica perceptions of widespread corruption and people – and we have been adopting that Agreement is the beginning of a national mismanagement – is a major challenge approach during the last year and a half. assault on the factors which are inhibiting to nation building. What changes do you believe need to be made to social and political institutions to regain public faith? We have started to strengthen the mechanisms for We are doing a number of things. We have reducing corruption. We have already commenced started to strengthen the mechanisms for reducing corruption. We have already the legislative process to establish a single anti- commenced the legislative process to establish a single anti-corruption agency corruption agency and we are also working to change the mindset of the society as a whole to make While addressing the National Association growth. It was possible because leaders in corruption so abhorrent to the individual of Jamaica and Supportive Organizations major sectors of national life have come to that we will resist it at all costs. in July, you stated that the government the realisation that concerted action, with has to take “some serious, hard and a national rather than a sectoral focus, is Jamaica’s public debt burden is a major bold decisions which have serious absolutely necessary. We know that the real challenge, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of consequences for all of us”. What are these work lies ahead, but it is signifi cant that more than 130 per cent – one of the decisions, and what effect do you believe government, the private sector, the union highest debt interest burdens in the world. they will have? movement and civil society organisations What is your administration doing to The “hard and bold” decisions involve have come together to commit to a national reduce public debt? severely reducing our level of indebtedness, programme. We have signed an agreement with the 74 l www.global-briefing.org fourth quarter 2013 global G16_InFocus_Jamaica.indd 74 24/10/2013 22:41 E70 In Focus Jamaica International Monetary Fund (IMF), which supports our efforts on economic reform. We are aware that the programme is painful, but we are determined that succeeding generations must not be burdened by the unsustainable debt ratios which now cripple our economy, stifle our growth prospects and negatively impact our quality of life. Earlier this year, the IMF agreed to a new loan package, which included a fiscal adjustment programme introducing reforms to social welfare. What measures have been put in place to protect the most vulnerable groups in society? We take the business of social inclusion and protection for the most vulnerable in our society very seriously. Our policies and programmes for the elderly, for persons with disabilities – in health care and housing – have been carefully developed and executed to ensure that the critical provisions are in place for those who are most in need of them. You are the first Head of Government in Jamaican history to endorse civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. Has any progress been made in achieving LGBT rights? In 2011, I made it clear that there would be no discrimination in or by my administration in relation to persons on the basis of their sexual orientation. There is a specific law which I committed to review. There has been a great deal of public discussion on issues relating to alternative lifestyles which will add value to the parliamentary debates on Portia Simpson-Miller, Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister, wants the country to become a republic the subject. Discrimination against any person is strongly denounced. Head of State. Why do you believe this is It is now time for Jamaica to take a stand Jamaica has made significant progress to- important? on our system of government, after 51 years wards gender equality, equity and women’s As I said on the occasion of my swearing-in of political independence. empowerment. You are the first female last year, my admiration for Her Majesty is Head of Government of Jamaica, and only beyond question, and I stand by that. There Your love of sports and appreciation of the third in the Anglophone Caribbean. How is no doubt that she has been a gracious and Jamaica’s athletes is well known. With do you see Jamaica moving forward in engaging Queen and a model of dedication all your responsibilities of office, do you terms of gender equality, and what role do to duty, which has been a feature of her still manage to find the time to enjoy your you hope to play in this process? entire reign. nation’s sports? We have very vibrant women leaders in In our 50th year of political I make the time to enjoy the performances our country, serving in the civil society and independence, the government of Jamaica of our sportsmen and women. This is business sectors. I have ensured that within announced a decision to act on one of the important not only for me as a person the government and the parliament we have aspects of constitutional reform which has who loves sport and supports our promoted women on merit. I believe we are been in serious contemplation for almost sportspeople, or even as the Minister for making satisfactory progress. Through edu- 20 years. We decided to ensure that all the Sport, but because sport is also a great cation, improved parenting and family life, elements and symbols of our governance motivator of our people, old and young, we are working towards the full develop- system are fully representative of as well as a significant contributor to the ment of the potential of both genders. Jamaica. This is why we are beginning promotion of our country internationally. the process to have a Jamaican national as Sport adds significant value to brand In your inaugural speech, you stated that our ceremonial President and our official Jamaica and is the most powerful, Jamaica should remove the Queen as Head of State. unifying force in the world. ● global fourth quarter 2013 www.global-briefing.org l 75 G16_InFocus_Jamaica.indd 75 24/10/2013 22:41 Shutterstock 124440640, 147690890,E71 143331601 In Focus Jamaica Old ghosts haunt modern times Jamaican politics is dominated by the Jamaica Labour Party and Portia Simpson-Miller’s People’s National Party. The current government is more interested in trying to foster closer ties with China than maintaining old colonial ties with Britain Richard Seymour Today, the beautifully lush Caribbean become the most valuable colonial While the two parties began their lives island nation of Jamaica is renowned possession in the world during the 18th as ideologically similar, they grew apart as throughout the world for its astonishing century but the system had also set, the 1970s went on, with the JLP aligning capacity to produce what seems like an as- seemingly in stone, sharply etched social itself with business interests both at home sembly line of some of the fastest humans and economic classes.
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