Jamaica: The Singapore comparison

Every so often there are those in Jamaica who seek to make a comparison of Jamaica with Singapore. Their shallow point being that given the fact that both countries are former British colonies their economic development should have somehow taken a similar path. Added to that, is the other major point those -- who I like to refer to as the “Singapore Model Advocates” – like to push is that the now renowned Lee Kuan Yew had visited Jamaica at a time when it is said Singapore was behind economically. However, as far as I am concerned there was, and still is, precious very little similarity between the two countries and their citizens.

Let me first say I am by no means an expert on Singapore’s history. Neither do I claim to have read any more than half dozen book and articles on the country. It would be fair to say I have merely skimmed the surface as far as reading material on this topic is concerned. Having cleared that bit up, let’s now get to the real point.

To start, there is a philosophy the Singaporeans follows that states “each generation must earn and save enough for its entire life cycle”. So they go well beyond the commonly accepted concept of saving for the future. And even though there are available welfare programmes, those benefits are only awarded after careful and very strict means-tested. The “dependency syndrome” that seems to be cultivated and nurtured in Jamaica clear has no place in a Singapore-like economy.

Next, the People's Action Party (PAP), of which Lee Kuan Yew was its leader for more than fifty years, has won control of Parliament with large majorities in every election since self-governance was secured in 1959. And although the elections are said to be clean are fair, there is no independent electoral authority and the political process is dominated by the PAP, which has strong influence on the media and the courts hampering opposition campaigning. Imagine a Jamaica without the Opposition or so-called “third” parties, free press and the Electoral Commission of Jamaica.

Then there is the matter of the unwavering strict application of the rule of Law…Singapore style. While Judicial Corporal Punishment in the form of caning, was inherited from the period of British rule, it was extensively extended by Lee Kuan Yew. Corporal Punishment may be imposed for such offenses as rape, rioting, vandalism, and certain immigration offenses. There is a mandatory death penalty for murder, as well as certain aggravated drug-trafficking and firearms offenses. Many of us may very readily recall the famous caning of American Michael Fay in 1994 for theft and vandalism. Not even is schools Jamaicans now tolerate caning.

This is but only three of what I would suggest to be major points of comparison for Jamaicans, those frequently referring to the Singaporean Model in particular, to seriously consider. Far too often we cheery pick the good we see in other societies and some ignore the attendant sacrifices or hardships associated.

So, there is absolutely no doubt Lee Kuan Yew has done well for Singapore. However, Jamaicans are in no way like the Singaporeans. Jamaica, and by that I mean the 2.8 Million people living on the Rock, must decide on the type of society we want and most importantly DO all that is required to make it a reality. May Lee Kuan Yew’s soul rest in peace.