A love letter to Jamaica

THE EDITOR, Madam:

My beloved island home has gone through a lot over centuries, but Hurricane Melissa was more than we could have bargained for. We faced that monster together and we have survived.

We are damaged, bent, and broken in some places, but still strong. This is a time for our important love language, analysis, design, planning, and implementation.

We must all come together in this effort. Let us welcome everyone into our circle of care of recovery and rebuilding. It is time now, for the Parliament and the Municipalities, no matter what their different political parties may be, to be a part of the process going forward. I believe commendations are due to all those who have been keeping us informed and have been responding so far. I commend and thank the prime minister for his leadership.

Indeed, sir, as we go forward, it will be important for us to come up with a plan that is SMART and inclusive. This may be an opportunity to activate the Vale Royal talks, the National Partnership Council and to establish Parish Partnership Councils to give support, advice, and oversight to the recovery and rebuilding process.

Let us create a grid of Jamaica and determine what needs to be done where, when, and by whom so that we can “eat this elephant, one bite at a time,” as the African proverb says. The people should also withhold questions, comments, and attitudes that go to break down the unity and comity and focus on those statements and actions that will encourage strength and participation.

We must work to achieve the ultimate goal of a Jamaica, bigger, stronger, better, more inclusive, more progressive, more prosperous than it was before, Hurricane Melissa.

Let us listen carefully to the proposals. And let us ensure that all our voices are heard, but if our voice is not accepted, we think about it and come again, and not be angry and abusive at other people. This is not the time.

Right now, there are only two things for us: “Out Of Many One People “ and “One Love Jamaica”.

DONNA PARCHMENT BROWN