Letter of the Day - Power of the people

THE EDITOR, Sir:

"ARE WE building a nation or are we building a hut, for while we fight each other for the power and the glory Jah kingdom goes to waste--." These words are from a song written by Ernie Smith during the fiery days of the 1970s, and almost thirty years later the words of the song are as relevant today as they were in the 1970s.

The recent upsurge in violence in western Kingston and the resulting charges and counter-charges from both sides of the political divide indicate that we have taken one step forward and two steps backwards.

The youth arm of both the JLP and PNP have said that they want to embark on a different path and move away from the old style confrontational politics. However, we now see them ratifying the tribal and inflammatory remarks of the seniors within their respective parties.

The question is, why should we have expected otherwise? Infants have been known to depend upon their parents for nutrition and support and are usually loyal to them.

It is full time that we the peace-loving and law-abiding citizens of Jamaica stand up and demand that our political leaders put self and party aside and put the advancement of this nation as their number one priority.

Our political leaders need to admit publicly that they have actively or passively participated in the tribal politics that has divided and impoverished our nation.

The people of Jamaica need to set high standards for their political representatives and when they fail and treat us with contempt we should dispatch them promptly.

After all, democracy is government of the people for the people and by the people. On election day I invite all Jamaicans to use the power they have and cast their votes, let our politicians know the POWER OF THE PEOPLE.

I am etc.,

DONALD HAMILTON

Falmouth P.O.

Trelawny

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