Jamaicans march for transparency, protesting against corruption and government inaction amid serious concerns over a new MOU with the US concerning TCN’s. Many individuals gathered before 7:00 a.m., wearing yellow.
Their primary concern was the government’s response, which protesters deemed incoherent. This unrest followed reports that Jamaica had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accept some of the most dangerous individuals being deported from the United States. This was part of President Donald Trump’s immigration reform efforts to “make America great again.”
Participants said they believed their own Government had disrespected them by failing to respond to questions about the details of the MOU and called for greater transparency in government actions.
The MOU, along with the ethical dilemma confronting Minister Andrew Wheatley, was the main focus of the demonstration. Minister Wheatley has received an indicative ruling from the Director of Investigation of the Integrity Commission. Moreover, this ruling recommends that he be charged with illicit enrichment due to his failure to account for over $160 million within a year.
The Commission’s ruling said Wheatley could not account for the variance between his declared earnings and his net worth.
The third issue raised was the Government’s ongoing The third issue addressed was the Government’s ongoing reluctance to allocate funds collected for Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa. Transparency regarding the allocation of these funds was repeatedly requested by demonstrators.
Organizer Kay Osbourne expressed her satisfaction with the turnout. She highlighted that the rally successfully united various groups, individuals, and members of the political class.reluctance to spend money collected on behalf of Jamaicans who suffered as a result of Hurricane Melissa.
Organiser Kay Osbourne said she was very pleased with the turnout. She also noted that the rally brought together various groups, individuals and members of the political class. Above all, transparency was indicated as a core value uniting the protesters.
“We invited everybody. We invited the two political parties, and we thank them for coming. This is about a Jamaica for all of us. This is not a country being run by a king, and where after the King speaks nobody else can. We are in a moral and ethical crisis and that is why we were here this morning because somebody has to take a stand…” Osbourne told THE STAR inter alia.
She said the Jamaican people deserved better and deserved more. She argued that the Government’s behavior to date meant it could not be trusted in a democracy.
Osbourne said the organisers would have a post mortem, but today’s actions would not be the last.
Scores of demonstrators carried placards bearing messages including “Stand Up for Jamaica,” “Stop disrespect the people,” “Spend Melissa money,” “We do not want no TCN’s here,” “Freedom Come,” and “Andrew Wheatley must go.”
Political representatives were present at the scene, but none spoke from the podium.