Recently, we have witnessed gimmicks passing for governance, but none so much as the J$1.4 billion gimmick in the purchase of decommissioned buses for the Rural School Bus Programme.

It was hailed as the solution to transportation woes faced by students across rural Jamaica; however, from the onset, it was mired in controversy as the buses were not only old but also had little remaining life. They were also not fit for purpose, and from the first day of trials were having mechanical issues.

One would believe that to be spending this much on a program would require proper evaluation and even a pilot programme; instead, we got a waiver of the pre-inspection regime and a lot of bluster. There was the showering with rum, the trips with political supporters fully clad in green, the false hope to parents that their children would be guaranteed safe travel on these buses, and the accusation of being ‘badmind’ when questions were asked.

If you lived in Jamaica long enough, you would have seen the importation of these buses by private individuals and some schools; the history would have shown that they have never lasted long in our conditions; many end up as fowl coops.

The period from June to September 3 was filled with mantras about these buses being the solution to our problems. Fast forward to last week, hearing the about-face by the transport minister that he will now be purchasing new buses and that the buses which were all the rage a few months ago are now ‘shutting down for the slightest reason’. It’s as if he has suddenly become ‘badmind’; he was warned by many, and he ignored them all. Why? Because the gimmick and the corruption had to be carried through to their end.

The wool had to be pulled over the collective eyes of the populace a little more so that an election could be won. This was an expensive gimmick that Jamaica cannot afford, not with the bad spending we are hit with, and new taxes to balance the budget. 

This should never be repeated, and Daryl Vaz should resign or be removed as a minister. There is no way in a proper organisation that one could buy equipment that has no use after a few months and still have a job. We as a people must demand accountability; failure to do so allows them to do even worse. It’s time for well-thinking Jamaicans to let their voices be heard. Don’t depend on politicians to speak for you; speak up and let politicians listen to your demands.

Our silence is their permission to continue to do bad by us.

Send feedback and comments to [email protected] and [email protected].