In a world of growing complexity, it is time to professionalise political leadership. This article proposes that candidates for elected office in Jamaica should first obtain a Licence to Practise – demonstrating competence in law, economics, governance, communication, and ethics. Based on global evidence, this approach would strengthen public trust, enhance the quality of governance, and modernise the political system for the demands of the 21st century.
Public service is not a hustle. It is a sacred trust. It is one of the most important callings in any society. If we expect teachers, doctors, and lawyers to demonstrate professional competence before practising, why should elected office – which carries even greater responsibility – be exempt?
Public service is not a hustle. It is a sacred trust.
Today’s elected officials confront a landscape of complex economic, legal, and technological challenges. Leadership based solely on popularity, party loyalty, family connection or ambition is no longer enough. To meet the demands of modern governance, we must professionalise our political class.
The proposal is simple but transformative: all individuals seeking elected office (whether in local councils or Parliament) MUST first earn a Licence to Practise.
The Case for Licensing
Licensing is a basic safeguard across critical professions, ensuring knowledge, skills, and ethical commitment to the public interest. Research strongly supports the idea that better-educated political leaders deliver better governance outcomes. A 2011 study by Besley, Montalvo, and Reynal-Querol found that countries with better-educated leaders experience:
- lower corruption,
- improved public service delivery,
- stronger and more stable economic growth.
Higher salaries alone, without professional standards, have proven insufficient to guarantee good governance. It is education, training, and ethical competence – not pay alone – that drive real leadership quality.
Higher salaries alone, without professional standards, have proven insufficient to guarantee good governance. It is education, training, and ethical competence – not pay alone – that drive real leadership quality.
Singapore’s model, which emphasises rigorous political recruitment, high educational standards, and continuous development, provides a living example of this principle at work. Importantly, this proposal is not based on the false presumption that Jamaica’s political class is uneducated. Many current politicians are qualified. Rather, the goal is to ensure that all leaders, regardless of background, meet standardised, modern benchmarks for competency and ethical readiness – much like every other critical profession demands.
The Core Components of the Licence
Candidates seeking political office would be required to pass a standardised examination covering key domains essential for public leadership, including:
| The Core Components of the Licence | Public Policy and Social Development: Ability to design, implement, and assess policies effectively. |
| Constitutional Law and Public Administration: Understanding the structures and legal frameworks they will govern. | Communication and Negotiation:Skills for stakeholder and essential interpersonal engagements. |
| Economics and Financial Literacy:Competence in budgetary matters and economic policy. | Ethical Leadership: Deep familiarity with principles such as integrity, transparency, and accountability. |
Embedded within these areas would be assessments of literacy, numeracy, reasoning, and critical thinking– all crucial to sound decision-making. Importantly, the examination system would be fully inclusive and accessible. Candidates with disabilities, including those who are blind, would be accommodated through Braille formats, assistive technology, extended time, and oral examination options, ensuring fairness for all.
Ongoing Ethical Commitment
In addition to licensing, elected officials would sign a yearly reaffirmation of a Code of Conduct, based on the internationally recognised framework known as the “Seven Principles of Public Life“:
| 7 Principles of Public Life | Accountability |
| Selflessness | Openness |
| Integrity | Honesty |
| Objectivity | Leadership |
This simple but powerful act would reinforce the solemn duty elected officials have to serve the public interest first.
Administration of the Licence
The licensing programme could be administered independently by accredited universities or by a new Professional Standards Agency reporting to Parliament. This would preserve neutrality and avoid political interference.
Why This Matters Now
Jamaica is on a journey. Vision 2030 is one of the milestones in its democratic journey. Despite notable progress, our political leadership struggles to command full credibility in the eyes of the public.
Despite notable progress, our political leadership struggles to command full credibility in the eyes of the public.
Professionalising benchmarks for those seeking elected office would:
- strengthen citizen confidence in elected officials,
- improve the quality of legislation and policymaking,
- lower the risks of corruption and bad management,
- inspire a new generation of citizens to see public service as a professional, merit-based calling.
Other professional fields have adopted licensing to safeguard the public interest. It is time that politics – perhaps the most consequential profession of all – does the same.
Other professional fields have adopted licensing to safeguard the public interest. It is time that politics – perhaps the most consequential profession of all – does the same.
Conclusion
This proposal is not about creating a technocratic elite but ensuring minimum standards for public trust. Jamaica could pilot the licence system in local government elections, refine it based on feedback, then scale nationally. By professionalising politics, Jamaica would set a precedent for the Caribbean – proving that good governance begins with prepared leaders.
References
Besley, T., Montalvo, J.G. and Reynal-Querol, M., 2011. Do Educated Leaders Matter? The
Economic Journal, 121(554), pp.F205–F227. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0297.2011.02448.x
Committee on Standards in Public Life, 1995. Standards in Public Life: First Report of the
Committee on Standards in Public Life (The Nolan Report). [online] London: HMSO. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-7-principles-of-public-life [Accessed 27 April 2025].
Quah, J.S.T., 2010. Public Administration Singapore-Style. Bingley: Emerald Group Publishing.
John Wayne Warren, ACCA, PgDip (Mkt), PGCE, MA (Ed) is a trained accountant, auditor, and qualified teacher who is currently actively involved with the Jamaican diaspora and his alumni association.
Sound article! John. The areas of competence highlighted are very crucial to good governance. I believe this proposal needs to be shared wider for consideration and further exploration. Powerfully articulated!
Excellent article for such a time as this. A view I shared recently after listening to the utterances of a Senator regarding JFJ and JCF. Too many of those who sat in the back of the class are now up front for the wrong reasons presiding over critical affairs of this country.