By Paul Andrew Bourne, MSc. (candidate), BSc. (Hons.)
The PNP administration and the governing policymakers have been eagerly promoting "performance pay for teachers." This is rightfully so in an economy with dwindling resources and low productivity. In a global context of high-end competition from efficient producers, the missing element to date in the discussion is "what about those at the helm of the society?" Many people in this nation continue to advocate for the fundamental issues of productivity pay incentive. Nevertheless, for some who stress the important thereby, they have a narrow view on the matter. Meaning, while productivity is a challenging phenomenon for policymakers in developing nations, they have trampled upon the significant issues because of political inexpediency. In that, they will eagerly pursue policies that directly will not change their lifestyle but on the other hand, they will never forthrightly tackle matters that positively influence their duties. Especially in the event that those added, tasks will either make them accountable to the public or require efficiency.
Although all peoples in Jamaica are totally cognizant that efficiency has its multiplier effect on price reduction and that productivity is an important ingredient in costs saving theorizing, the politicians to date have been performing effectively poorly in all areas of their mandate. Many policymakers in government have failed miserable at the mandate to which they were primarily nominated to carry out by the enumerators. Hence, if we are arguing for "performance pay a must for teachers" and rightfully so indeed in the context of globalization, why are we not ranting and raging that this be across all sectors of the society beginning with the heads of state downwards? Why?
I have not to date heard anyone ask that Dr. Peter Phillips’ salary be reduced by half because of ‘performance pay’. The Minister of National Security is singled out here to represent the politicians but not that he is the only one. Let us argue for ‘performance pay’, the crime statistics for the month of June 2004 clearly indicate that Honourable Dr. Phillips has failed miserable at the task to which his mandate stipulates and so he should be asked to repay the society one half of his salary for each month that crime is unchecked or adequately addressed.
Once more, I agree wholeheartedly with ‘performance for pay for teachers’ but do we agree on equality in duties. Therefore, if we are advocating the construct of ‘performance pay’ within the context of value output theorizing, this value theory must begin with the political leaders.
Because if our statesmen are exempted from such a critical economic theorizing advocated by the leaders themselves, then the issue of crime will not be adequately addressed by any politicians as there are no disbenefits for him for performance.
The problem that the Jamaican society faces is equality across the social class, gender and social status. Meaning, some rules are institutionalized for a particular social class, occupational group, educational cohorts and privileged few which is why justice is not perceived by all the say way. Therefore, I am recommending that "performance pay for politicians" be the first indicator of the government’s intention to tackle equality and fairness across the diaspora in Jamaica. Right now, the divide on fundamental issues will continue to split this society into subdivisions, unless the public officials will adequately create that equality in Jamaica that implies that "we are all one and will be treated as such."
Bicknell (2004: G11) posits that "the teaching profession is one of the only few professions where there is little monetary reward for excellence, and we will never attract outstanding individuals into the teaching profession until we provide them with some sort of monetary reward for success." If Bicknell theorizing is true, then is he forwarding a position that politics will not attract the outstanding persons from among us as it is one such professions like teaching. Notwithstanding Bicknell revelations, I am more convinced that "performance pay for politicians" is a necessary ingredient from forward and upward movement of the society, as I envision a Jamaica in its past glory when she was the economic superpower of Latin America and the Caribbean - like in the 1960s.
Paul Andrew Bourne, MSc. (candidates), BSc. (Hons). , Dip. Edu.
7 F Cambridge Street
Franklin Town
Kingston 16