THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM using this medium to thank Louis Marriott and his team for reminding us of one section of our history. Congratulations to the cast, especially to the children who danced and sang their hearts out.
Have things changed drastically in Jamaica since? The police showed two sides in that play; one of extreme patience and tolerance; even when they were abused by Bedward's followers. On the other hand, they 'ambushed' Bedward, took him back to the Half-Way Tree court and stated that they had found him wandering around; therefore he was an unfit person. So, he was incarcerated once again. Of course, at that time the police were working to the 'beat' of colonial drums; so, what about now?
What are the similarities and the differences? Among today's police force are men and women who are caring, helpful, honest, who 'serve, protect and reassure'. On the other hand, we hear of police who 'plant' guns on citizens; police who are seen on national television discharging high-powered weapons among poor people without looking where they are aiming.
Among Bedward's followers were persons who could read and whose placards demonstrated that; however, an outstanding placard read 'Ekwal rites an justis'. While phonetic spelling is helpful, we need to move beyond that; and perhaps Bedward could have helped his people in this regard. However, let us recall some of today's protest placards, some of which are usually held upside down: 'No wata no deh hear fi 2 weeks'; 'We want justis'; 'Police kil de wan bred winna'; 'Dis man is a community leada; him provide ova 300 jobs', etc. The holders of the placards sometimes block roadways; hence, impeding the flow of traffic; they sometimes behave in a violent manner and need the police to settle scores.
So, in summing up, one could say that the more things change the more they remain the same. However, what we really need in Jamaica is an advancement of literacy and good rapport between police and citizens.
I am, etc.,
ELAINE CHAPLIN
P.O Box 34
Kingston 9
