Need For Unity

"Now you can hear it in the morning (Obama!), and you can hear it inna the evening (Obama!), Black man and white woman shouting (Obama!)...." Even before Coco Tea put his name to a catchy reggae beat, persons around the world already chanted the name. There was a sense of renewed hope during Barack Obama's campaign that crescendoed with his inauguration as the 44th President of the United States.

The anticipated Obama administration not only brought about hope but also unity. No matter the political persuasion, there was a oneness among the over 1 million present at the swearing in of President Obama. There was no mistaking the sense of togetherness, of shared hope for a better, brighter future. And while there is cause for worry - considering the current economic crisis - President Obama has encouraged his fellow Americans through his "yes we can" mantra to join in the effort - no matter which party you voted for - to build the nation.

While reflecting on how Obama was able to reach members and supporters of both political parties, I couldn't help but consider our government and its influence on the Jamaican people. The truth is no matter how the prime minister or the opposition leader appeal for an end to political tribalism, if they do not display unity among themselves, how must the rest of the nation follow suit? The division is strikingly evident in the media where, for example, we oftentimes observe verbal battles across the floor in parliament. When phrases such as, "tek weh yuself" and "shut yuh mout!" are hurled from one side to the other, it makes me ponder the kind of persons we have elected into positions of leadership.

As children live what they learn, we too are influenced by the leadership of our country. If discord is what we see on a regular basis, then that is the same behavior that we will project. And the disunity between supporters of either party will only perpetuate itself.

It's time the two parties rise above their differences and focus on what is best for the people. True, the oppostion's function in the most basic sense means that it will have differing views from that of the ruling party; however, a more bi-partisan approach can be achieved on varying issues. And when a compromise cannot be reached, then they can simply "agree to disagree" in a more acceptable manner.

At the end of the day, the government has a responsibility to lead with dignity and integrity, ensuring that its actions are solely for the betterment of the nation and its people.