THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A Jamaican national, I am concerned about Jamaica's place in contemporary Caribbean history. It was my countrymen and women's vote on federation 'No', September 19, 1961 that sank the federal ship of state.
We are once again at the stage where Caribbean islands are set to bring Jamaica on board the federal ship, in this instance limited to a Caribbean Court of (final) Appeals, with a 'clear', maybe not 'present danger', (for the next four and a half years) that Jamaica may once again be the cause of a shipwreck of titanic proportions.
There are those who argue that the government of Prime Minister Patterson should call a referendum and those who agree with his decision not to call one. Which side is right and which is wrong is of no consequence right now. What Jamaica's partners should be concerned about is the longevity of the court. On this score, the words of Norman Manley (cited from 'The West Indies: Federal Negotiations' by John Mordecai, page 224, n.2) serves warning: "An independent West Indies must start on a basis of permanency."
My advice to my sister islands who are moving ahead to form this union is, leave Jamaica out until the government either holds a referendum at which time one way or another the question of Jamaica's permanent participation would have been answered or until the present government and opposition provide you with written assurance which if breached calls for penalties that Jamaica is a long-term partner, otherwise you could be setting yourselves up for an epic fall.
To my Caribbean cousins (in Barbados) Sir Grantley Adams, (St. Kitts) Robert Bradshaw, (St. Lucia) Dr. Carl Corbiniere, (Trinidad and Tobago) C.L.R. James and Dr. Williams, (Grenada) 'the old man' himself, Thomas Marryshow and the many others, who constantly bailed water from the ship of state only to have Jamaica pour double in, are turning in their graves.
I say to you, once is Jamaica's fault, twice is your mistake!
I am, etc.,
OSWALD DAWKINS
89A2152
Arthur Kill Correctional Facility
2911 Arthur Kill Road
Staten Island, N.Y.
