Al Miller calls for a new Jamaica

Renowned clergyman the Reverend Al Miller is urging Jamaicans to push for a transformed nation in 2025 -- one founded on love, accountability, and transparency, and less focused on a flawed political and religious system.

Miller, pastor of the non-denominational Fellowship Tabernacle, revealed that a group of leaders is advocating for a new governance system that would involve Jamaica's brightest minds. These persons, who Miller did not name, would oversee the country for a five-year term.

"We call the political parties to take the time in quarantine to renew themselves, reject the old order, and prepare for future servant leadership in the new Jamaica! Establish a government of national unity," he urged.

Jamaica has a parliamentary democracy in which the political party that wins the most seats in the 63-House of Representatives in general elections earns the right to form the government. The Jamaica Labour Party has been in power since 2016. The People's National Party is currently in opposition. The next general election is due by September 2025.

Miller said establishing a government of national unity would reverse the moral, political, and social decline currently facing Jamaica.

"We have devised a workable plan on how to build the new Jamaica. We are, therefore, renewing a call for a government of national unity, in any of its optional forms, as an operating principle for one five-year term with set goals to fix the nation's fundamental nagging problems," Miller stated.

He emphasised that both the Church and the political system must be held accountable for contributing to an "out-of-control Jamaica".

"The Church must be held accountable for its often silence, fears, and limited engagement. The politicians must be held accountable for the division and maintenance of an old, failed colonial system that they further corrupted and is now out of control," he said.

Miller explained that the proposed government of national unity would gather Jamaica's top minds from various sectors. A council of elders (seven to 10 members) would oversee the government, acting as coaches to guide the nation's leadership team and ensure that Jamaica's interests come first.

"We are prepared to mobilise the nation in a movement of 'Jah people' to give hope for the possibility of real change. We must believe that Jamaica can and will be transformed. If we just choose to put Jamaica first, we can make Jamaica win. We are tired of losing to crime, violence, division, corruption, and poverty; so we are prepared to do all we can to mobilise the nation to unite for a new and better Jamaica," said Miller.

He also pointed to the nation's high crime rate, citing 50 murders in November and another 52 in the first two weeks of December, with an average of 22 deaths per week. He described the situation as unacceptable and in need of immediate action.

"We are calling the Church, that sleeping giant, to wake up and take back her place as guardians of the welfare of the people. To defend the poor and the weak. To fight the cause of justice and truth, exposing the evil systems and structures. To mobilise their people to stand for righteousness and secure a solid future for the children, teaching the values and attitudes needed for success," Miller said.