Garth Rattray | Can Jamaica pattern Singapore?

I am very concerned about our little island and very worried about our future. It is extremely distressing to see the antecedents of societal decline slowly appear, become established, grow, and flourish right before my eyes. We can do better, but it will take political determination, the type that is willing to save the nation even if it means risking the loss of elections.

My mind ran on Singapore, from which we have much to learn. Singapore transformed itself from a small, resource-poor territory into one of the world’s most prosperous economies. We both emerged from British colonial rule, and we both faced the challenge of creating economic opportunities for our people in a competitive world. Yet Singapore’s subsequent development trajectory has been markedly different.

Singapore became independent in 1965. Jamaica gained independence in 1962. Today, Singapore is widely recognised for its efficient public administration, strong infrastructure, international commercial links and high standard of living. Despite our natural beauty, talented people, democratic traditions, and considerable economic potential, we continue to grapple with crime, weak productivity, uneven public services and persistent social inequality.

An excellent article by Ruben Gonzalez-Vicente (associate professor in political economy, Department of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Birmingham), “Can Jamaica be the Singapore of the Caribbean?”, was published in the Sunday Gleaner on October 18. It provided a deeper understanding of Singapore’s success.

The article pointed out that “Singapore, like Hong Kong, was not primarily a plantation colony. It was a commercial gateway into a much larger regional economy, built around a strategically located harbour. By independence in 1965, it had long attracted merchants, capital, and commercial expertise from across Southeast Asia”.

Singapore’s success resulted from a combination of effective governance, economic strategy, state investment, and historical circumstances. The article also pointed out that “Singaporeans enjoy many personal freedoms, but political and social discipline has also been part of the country’s development story”.

Singapore’s People’s Action Party has been in power since soon after its independence in 1965. Through stringent law enforcement, no-nonsense administrative oversight, government control of international investment, compulsory land acquisition, public housing, infrastructure development, low taxes, financial restraint, and staunch objectivity in trading, it achieved national success.

On November 8, 1993, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, gave a keynote address. He explained how Singapore transformed from a poor, Third World colonial port into a First World economic hub by prioritising absolute integrity and meritocracy over political dogma. The goals were “a clean government and an effective civil service … honest leadership, accountability, recruitment on merit, and the eradication of corruption.”

Given our Jamaican situation, of indiscipline and breaking the rules, I believe that the fond wish of our prime minister to make Jamaica “the Singapore of the Caribbean” will remain a dream. The very first step towards any such transformation requires discipline, something that is sadly lacking in Jamaica.

The turnaround of Singapore would be a non-starter if indiscipline and corruption were allowed to be as commonplace as they are here in Jamaica. I can’t imagine a prosperous Singapore wherein, whether the person was a street vendor, a politically connected individual, or a wealthy developer, public rules were not enforced consistently and fairly. Singapore would not be what it is today if selected individuals could get away with doing what they want.

That country would never grow into the wealthy economic powerhouse that it became if people with deep pockets and the right links could thwart the government system and do whatever they felt like for selfish reasons. Jamaica is badly infected with the terrible trio of institutionalised corruption, inefficiency, and unaccountability. These liabilities are deeply rooted in how we tend to do things. The reciprocal dependence of some citizens on politicians for sustenance, and politicians on those citizens for empowerment, certainly does not help.

It is too late for us to be like Singapore, but we can improve our lot if we make public institutions effective and trustworthy. Citizens should not have to wonder whether rules will be enforced consistently or whether political connections will determine who is held accountable. Corruption must be investigated and addressed through credible institutions, due process, and consequences applied regardless of status.

Political games must cease. We must put Jamaica first. Government must plan beyond upcoming elections. Infrastructure, education, health, public transportation, housing, and industrial development require continuity. A change of administration should not automatically mean abandoning some sound initiatives simply because they were started by political opponents.

Our tourism industry is important, but we also need to expand opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, logistics, creative industries, and other areas in which Jamaicans can compete internationally. Additionally, some public appointments and promotions are politically mediated. Political loyalty should be irrelevant.

Whether the issue involves illegal dumping, road indiscipline, unauthorised construction, or corruption, consistent enforcement is essential. The answer is not indiscriminate punishment, but fair rules, reasonable procedures, and accountability.

Meaningful and sustainable reforms cannot be achieved merely by telling Jamaicans to work harder or behave better. They require political leadership, competent administration, adequate resources, and institutions that support good conduct while discouraging abuse.

Jamaica has a plethora of genuine strengths: a vibrant culture, an internationally recognised creative sector, a strategic Caribbean location, a substantial diaspora, and people whose talents extend far beyond our shores. These assets are not enough on their own. They must be supported by policies that encourage investment, improve productivity and distribute opportunities more fairly.

Garth Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice, and author of The Long and Short of Thick and Thin. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and garthrattray@gmail.com.