Hundreds of Jamaicans gathered at Cross Roads in St. Andrew on Tuesday for a public demonstration calling for greater government accountability, transparency and integrity, amid growing concerns over several national issues.
The rally, organized by the Advocates Network for Jamaicans, drew an estimated 500 participants, according to police. Protesters, many dressed in yellow, voiced concerns over the Government’s handling of the controversial third-country nationals (TCN) agreement with the United States, the Integrity Commission’s findings involving Cabinet Minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley, and the use of Hurricane Melissa relief funds.
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While the TCN agreement served as the immediate catalyst, demonstrators also raised concerns about the long-delayed FINSAC report, the Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) fraud scandal, delays in completing the Cornwall Regional Hospital, constitutional reform, healthcare, infrastructure and what they described as an increasing disconnect between the Government and the Jamaican people.
Social activist Nyron Lemonious said he attended the rally to advocate for better leadership and governance.
“I represent every Jamaican who is interested in honesty, integrity, humility, in leadership and in governance,” he said.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding attended the demonstration alongside several Opposition Members of Parliament and local government representatives. Although they did not address the crowd, Golding urged Jamaicans to support civil society organizations in promoting accountability.
“We cannot continue on this descent into the mire of corruption and maladministration,” Golding said, while also renewing calls for the Government to table the FINSAC report and establish a commission of enquiry into the SSL fraud.
Event convenor Kay Osborne rejected suggestions that the protest was politically motivated, noting that invitations had been extended to representatives of both major political parties.
“There is a crisis of confidence in the Government,” Osborne said. “The things can’t run like this. This is not a kingdom and the prime minister is not a king.” She called for the Government to table the TCN memorandum of understanding in Parliament and suspend the programme until lawmakers have reviewed it.
Also participating was Dr. Donovan Thomas, head of the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, who said he was concerned about major policy decisions being made without sufficient public consultation.
Advocacy officer and attorney Phillipa Davis criticized the pace of Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, questioning why many affected residents were still living under temporary tarpaulin roofs despite significant relief donations.
The peaceful demonstration featured reggae music, including several performances of Peter Tosh’s Equal Rights and Justice, and concluded with the singing of Jamaica’s National Anthem and the recitation of the National Pledge. Organizers said they will evaluate the outcome of the rally before determining their next course of action.
