THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WISH to add my views on the recent hurricane and the looting that accompanied it. It's good that the damage done by the hurricane was less than anticipated, and that there was a minimum loss of lives. However, while Hurricane Ivan has left the shores of Jamaica, you are still left with the looters, and criminals that are embedded in the society.
There will be more hurricanes and God alone knows what other kind of disaster awaits Jamaica in the future. But natural disasters for the most part cannot be controlled, we can only prepare for them. However, how can a country prepare for disasters when the social relationship within the country is rotten to the core?
I believe that the state of Jamaica's social relationship is a direct reflection of the kind of leaders that have guided Jamaica to where it is today. I live in Barbados at present and the quality of the relationship that exists here is light years away from the quality that exists in Jamaica. There is a materialistic culture that is embedded in the leadership structure (political, economic and religious) that makes it difficult for them to change. Hence, for the foreseeable future the social commentary will be punctuated by the use of the gun, and other tools of violence and the death toll will increase, while our people become more skilled at singing funeral songs for their sons and daughters who did not reach the fullness of their days.
How sad for such a mighty nation! When will you wake up from your slumber and demand an accounting from your leaders?
I am, etc.,
ALLAN CARTER
aicarter@yahoo.com
Cave Hill, Barbados
