Political corruption is our greatest problem

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE NATION has celebrated its 39th anniversary of independence with the usual ritual of platitudes oozing hypocritically from the mouths of our national leaders. Celebration depicts an occasion for joy, for goodwill, for a looking to the future with great expectations.

The events in West Kingston leading up to August 6, were hardly of the kind to inspire celebration. Rather they inspired shame, shame that after 39 years of being in charge of our destiny as a nation, we could have the bloodletting and anarchy which left over twenty people dead, some left to rot on the streets of the city.

And we are reminded that the violence in West Kingston was a mere symptom of a far more pernicious disease afflicting the nation and which we have not been able to "cure" over these 39 years. The disease is political corruption and the desire to maintain political power and all its accoutrements at any cost.

Until we have leaders who are mature enough and love Jamaica enough to possess the will to deal a fatal blow to this disease, then calls for unity, for peace, and for us to love one another and bask in the beauty of the country, will remain hollow and self-serving.

Those who have had the privilege to exercise power over the Jamaican people know what the problems are. The truth is that there is not enough shame going around which will force the change that will restore the country to true progress and health.

I am etc,

Rev. RALSTON

NEMBHARD

Stead6655@aol.com.

Via Go-Jamaica

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