Letter of the Day | What will change if Jamaica becomes a republic?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As long as time lasts, change is inevitable, and we have been changing over the years. The thing that is most worrying is when the change is for the worse.

Jamaica’s political system has evolved over time, and we are currently faced with the choice of becoming a republic and abandoning the Queen of England as head of state or continuing with the present system.

Our history shows that many things have changed for the worse. Our economy has faltered, crime has escalated, and general discipline and social behaviour are below best expectations. The present wish to change the system seems like a logical progression, but the unknown consequences like Shakespeare’s Hamlet says, “puzzles the will and makes us rather bear the ills we have than fly to others that we know not of”.”

Some of the questions that need answers are: What will we actually change? Will we demolish King’s House or just change its name? Will becoming a republic improve our economy? Will the present crime and violence situation automatically improve?

All of these are factors that must be considered before we rush into any change. It is certainly not a good thing to burn our bridges behind us.

RONALD FAGAN

ronniefagan @gmail.com