Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson emphasized the urgent importance of restoring Jamaica’s moral fabric. Speaking at the recent annual dinner of the Jamaica Committee of Umpires Association, held at the esteemed Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, Mr. Patterson drew a striking analogy between the sport of cricket and the essential laws and norms that underpin the well-being of Jamaica as a nation.
Highlighting the inherent adherence to rules in cricket as a sport, he underscored that every nation is equally obligated to uphold its laws. The former Prime Minister stressed the paramount significance of fundamental values such as integrity, truth, peace, and the liberty of the mind at a time when Jamaican society appears to be swayed by materialism and moral erosion.
In his address, Mr. Patterson lamented the overshadowing of essential virtues such as self-respect, care for others, discipline, civility, and plain decency by the pernicious influences of greed, materialism, and an alarming moral decline.
The former Prime Minister acknowledged that Jamaica’s National Consultation on Values and Attitudes continues to fall short of accomplishing its intended objectives. He firmly believed that the restoration of Jamaica’s moral fabric should not be constrained to any specific region or locality but rather should reach every Jamaican parish, town, and district.
Mr. Patterson highlighted the recent surge in praedial larceny, bank theft, and school violence as stark evidence of the pressing need for moral revival. He lamented that crime and violence have reached unbearable levels within society.
Commending both the government and the Opposition, Mr. Patterson praised Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s proposal for a dedicated ministry focused on family and community affairs and the Opposition’s suggestion for a Ministry of Social Transformation at their 2018 Annual Conference.
Clearly, the former Prime Minister steadfastly believes in the critical importance of moral reform for Jamaica’s welfare and prosperity.