Serving Your Country, A Call To Ministry
By Jascinth Aarons
It is said that at midnight on August 5, 1962, the Union Jack (flag of the United Kingdom) was lowered while the “Black, Green, and Gold,” the national flag of Jamaica, was raised. This was a time of celebration and great pride for the people of Jamaica, who had crammed into the national stadium to witness this historic event. After many years of struggle, Jamaica had finally been granted political independence from the United Kingdom.
As a child who lived outside of Jamaica from infancy because of my father’s job, my parents always spoke with a sense of patriotism about Jamaica. In the 15 years that we lived on the islands, they spent time inculcating a love of and honour in our identity as children of this great nation of Jamaica, especially in the politically charged years of the 1970’s. So, it was only natural that as soon as I ‘gained my own independence’ at age 18, I wanted to have a voice in the running of the country of my birth. Perhaps mine was not to be a voice in the political arena, but I could have a say in who was selected to serve me and my fellow Jamaicans. When our political representatives are elected, we think they are placed to lead us, but Scripture reminds us that they are really the servants of the people: “…but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” Mark 10: 43b–44.
“IT’S A NOBLE THING, MY DEAR”
Duly enumerated, by 1986 I was ready to vote in the local government election scheduled for July 29 that year. I proudly went home with my purple-covered right index finger, which had been dipped in electoral ink—the sign that I had cast my ballot! On reflection, I just went into a booth and marked my “X” on the ballot paper, not even fully aware of the procedures.
But having been part of the electoral process in a more fulsome way over the past 18 years, I have come to know not only the importance of educating the electorate about their political rights and responsibilities but also the details regarding Election Day protocols. Again, we are told in God’s Word that “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6a.
In 2002, I was invited by the returning officer for the constituency in which I lived to work in the newly created role of Election Day Worker (EDW) Cluster Supervisor. The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) was looking for educated, trainable persons of integrity to fill the many roles needed in the electoral process. I asked my father if I should take up the offer. He gave me his blessing, having worked in the system in his younger days, and admonished me with the words, “Serving your country is a noble thing, my dear.” Thus, began my training and service to my nation.
Between 2010 and 2011, the assistance of the EDW supervisors was again required, this time to be trainers. This facilitated the process of tutoring more EDW’s in a shorter time and enabled the selection of the cream of the crop.
WHY NOT TRAIN TO BE AN EDW?
The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) is always recruiting people to work in the various positions needed for election day, especially now that constitutionally, local government, also known as parish council elections, are due in 2024. These posts include, but are not limited to, presiding officers and poll clerks.
To become an EDW, one must be:
- at least 17 years old and literate
- able to read and write well
- honest
- willing to attend training (which may be a minimum of 4 days)
- willing to work. It is required that individuals have a Tax Registration Number (TRN).
If you are so minded to be a part of the electoral process – and as children of God we should desire to serve God and nation; additionally, as born-again believers, we ought to participate in the process to ensure that the activities of Election Day are maintained with integrity—the following is how you can be enrolled as an EDW.
- Go to the nearest EOJ Constituency Office, where the returning officer will have the appropriate application form for you to complete.
- You will be contacted shortly thereafter regarding training for EDWs.
- After you have been trained, a selection is made by the EOJ. If successful, you will be advised of all the relevant information needed for work on the day of the election.
SAME MAN, SAME WOMAN, SAME VOTE
Today, I remind all of you potential EDW’s that many died for our freedom and independence as a nation. In Jamaica, we have one of the best electoral systems, one that has been refined over the years to produce what currently exists, such that overseas agencies come to observe our elections. Therefore, the responsibility of protecting the machinery that preserves our political freedom must be handled carefully. The ECJ and all who serve on its behalf must be committed to elections that are free and fair, ensuring one man, one woman, one vote; and the same man, the same woman, the same vote.
______________________________
Jascinth Aarons is a trainer of election day workers (EDWs) and a cluster supervisor.
Contact [email protected]
