It is time for official recognition of Patois

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing with reference to The Gleaner editorial titled ‘New front in Patois debate’ published on May 27. The editorial was a bold and instructive call and support for the official recognition of “the language of the majority” of people in Jamaica. 

The editorial highlights the struggles of Patois to gain acceptance, in spite of its use by cultural icons “in affirming Jamaica’s and resisting colonial norms.” I fully agree that Nekeisha Burchell, the member of parliament from South St. James, reignited the Patois debate. There is a need to table a private member’s motion with a view to seek cross-party support. 

Where I disagree with the editorial is the advice given to Ms Burchell, that she should table that private member’s motion. At this time, she has become a polarising figure who would not be able to get that cross-party support for that motion. It is my thinking that the governing Jamaica Labour Party would entertain a robust discussion of this matter; but this demands a People’s National Party member of parliament who has the ability to muster the needed cross-party support. 

A few years ago, this cross party alliance was most useful in the discussions leading up to the 2015 Amendment of the Dangerous Drug Law (ganja law). This is not a party matter, but it is an urgent national issue that should have been resolved decades ago.

LOUIS MOYSTON, PhD