Durrant Pate/Contributor

Prominent clergyman Reverend Al Miller has launched a new political vehicle, dubbed the Jamaica First Movement (JFM), in which he advocates for a one-term ‘Government of National Unity’, citing decades of political division and systemic challenges for the need for such an organisation.

The launch follows a written invitation to Jamaica’s main political parties to unite for a five-year term, which Reverend Miller says has been met with unwillingness. JFM is operating under the banner of the Build Jamaica Foundation, which was founded by the televangelist and has a history of non-profit work focused on social and economic improvement in the nation.

The aim of this new political movement is to rally the approximately 70 per cent of the electorate who are apathetic to the current political process. The movement proposes a five-year administration composed of individuals from across the political spectrum, the private sector, the church, and civil society. 

Prior to this week’s launch of the new political movement, Miller met with numerous church leaders, who have given their endorsement and support to the initiative.

Miller, who has been a vocal proponent of national unity for years, declares, “We cannot continue on the political divisive path we have trod. We must now choose a new path of unity while holding to the Christian faith of our mothers and fathers, which proves to have served us well.”

Ready for the road

Having secured initial seed capital, the JFM is now calling on “patriotic Jamaicans” to support the movement. This includes a call for individuals to take a leave of absence from their current political parties, businesses, or civil society roles to serve the nation for this five-year period.

“My role,” explained Miller, “is to lead a panel of able men and women who will coach this team of patriots to make Jamaica Win.” The movement is actively seeking to mobilise citizens, urging them to use their vote as their voice for change. A formal covenant is available online for signing on the JFM website for those who commit to the vision of a “New Jamaica.”

This initiative emerges from Miller’s long-standing call for a unified approach to governance to tackle Jamaica’s deep-seated issues. Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora are being called upon to unite under the banner of “one love, one heart” to put Jamaica first and build a new future for our country.

Foundation for a “New Jamaica”

The “special purpose vehicle” is designed to lay the foundation for a “new Jamaica” within a single five-year term. This government would be guided by Christian values of justice, truth, and righteousness, as enshrined in the nation’s motto, anthem, and pledge.

“This is a time for bold, radical leadership to do what is necessary to bring transformation in the shortest time,” Miller emphasised, pointing to the need to defeat corruption, division, and injustice.

JFM asserts that it has a workable vision and governance framework structured for integrity and transparency, a detailed transformation plan for all sectors, and a strategy to propel Jamaica towards first-world status in five years.