THE GLOBAL reaction to the tsunami disaster in southern Asia has literally shaken the world and prompted humanitarian impulses that transcend ideological and religious differences.
The reaction differs sharply from the global reaction to the 9/11 attack on continental America which prompted the U.S. declaration of a war on terror and the dire spin-offs that have flowed from that evil episode in 2001.
In contrast, the awesome power of natural forces has triggered an unprecedented wave of global relief efforts. It is, perhaps, larger in scale than the American-sponsored Marshall Plan which restored Europe after the devastation of World War II.
It is, therefore, appropriate that our government has seen fit to make Jamaica's own contribution to the relief effort. For we have also benefited from international aid after hurricane disaster. We do not anticipate that there will be local naysayers who will object on grounds of our Third World status, as some did object when we gave succour to Haitian refugees. The scope of Jamaica's contribution may be minuscule in comparison to the major powers; but it is important as a token of sympathy and signal of our own humanity.
The United States has shown its own sense of unity in selecting former Presidents Clinton and Bush the elder to jointly head a fund-raising appeal to aid the tsunami victims.
The Asian calamity offers vital lessons about protecting the natural environment. The experts say mangroves, for instance, are a natural defence against tsunamis, but much of our coastal developments, especially for tourist resorts, seem to ignore this aspect of the natural infrastructure.
The tsunami disaster came just ahead of the start of the new year which is already taking shape as one of change and transition. New leadership in the local police force is a forerunner to the emergence of new leaders in both major political parties.
The leaders have signalled their imminent departure: Prime Minister Patterson to go some time before the next General Election
constitutionally due in 2007 and Opposition Leader Seaga later this year. The retirement of both truly sets in motion the transition to a new generation of national leaders.
Our present and emerging leaders must pay heed to the lessons from the southern Asia disaster. They will need always to think of the bigger picture and not just immediate or short term, temporary solutions or even development which will leave populated areas more vulnerable to the forces of nature.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
