KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica could overcome one of its core developmental obstacles by adopting the mechanism used to build trusting relationships within the Rotary Club, says Earl Jarrett.
The General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society said the Rotary Club, along with other service clubs, had developed trust by consistently applying some basic principles. A Rotarian himself, he said that by trusting each other, Club members have built up a fund of social capital within the group.
Rotarians learn to apply their organisation’s Four Way Test to the things they think, say and do, Mr. Jarrett stated. The Test requires that they must be true, fair, build goodwill and aim to be of benefit to all.
He was speaking at the monthly meeting of the Rotary Club of New Kingston at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel last Friday, January 8.
“This Test needs to be shared,” he stated, “As we seek to build a network of Jamaicans locally and in the Diaspora, that we know can help find solutions to challenges being faced by our country,” and pointed out that, increasing the social capital within this network would lay the basis for effective group efforts.
“The level of trust in Jamaica is consistently at a low level and is a hindrance to national development,” he said. He noted that the Centre for Leadership & Governance at the University of the West Indies had published a report in 2008, which revealed that most Jamaicans have little trust in politicians, church and private sector leaders. Most persons only trust their immediate family members, the report revealed.
“The thousands of Rotarians in Jamaica, along with the more than 1.2 million across the world, have the power to begin to build the social capital that must first start within our political parties in Jamaica,” Mr. Jarrett said.
The country would benefit if the two main political parties accepted the Rotary’s Four Way Test, as they would improve their relations, he said. This would elevate the level of political debate and focus criticism on the, “contending ideas and thoughts that will form a framework for improving our nation.”
“We need to share these ideals with our political leaders and, in fact, throughout the country,” he said.
“Rotary speaks to high ethical standards in business and professions, and the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupants,” Mr. Jarrett said. “There is great value in operating at high ethical standards, which can help to build customers and relationships.”
He also stated that the club needs to join with other organisations in Jamaica, “to continue the experience of building social capital which will help to drive our country forward.”
