From left: Ministers Omar Davies, Peter Phillips, Karl Blythe. THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WISH to endorse the opinions expressed by both Dr. Howard Gregory, president of the Jamaica Council of Churches and yourself in The Gleaner editorial of Friday, May 11 concerning the attendance of three Ministers of Government at the funeral of the late 'Willie Haggart'.
This simply gives credit to the rumour that many of these 'Dons' who are linked to the underworld financially support the political parties.
I watched in dismay and disbelief as leading Ministers of Government endorsed, by their presence, the lifestyle of this late 'don' by their attendance at his funeral. The symbolism of their presence was further highlighted by the fact that both Dr. Omar Davies and Mr. Karl Blythe wore the PNP colours.
I am troubled by the arrogance of Dr. Davies declaring that he was attending the funeral "without apology".
I am further disturbed as an educator at the warped and confused signals that these leaders of our society are sending to our young people.
As a teacher I am in a position to hear the opinions of many of the nation's young and they find the behaviour of these men disgraceful. I am asking these politicians "What message do you want our young people to hear you sending"?
Is it that money and power are what matters most, no matter how you get it? Or is it that country and sacrifice to the greater good that matters?
What message are you sending? You cannot send both. If you send both, you send them confusion.
I am etc.,
ESTHER TYSON
Principal,
Ardenne High School
