More accountability needed for progress THE EDITOR, Sir: I AM now overwhelmed with the redundancy of the rhetoric. We continue to posture and dance around the real issues that plague us without facing them head-on and take responsibility. I am going to dispense with the UWI-speak and present a simple, honest perspective on the distasteful, internationally embarrassing and counter-productive violence that is occurring in Kingston and throughout the rest of the nation. We fail to realise that we are responsible for the choices we make. When we loot, burn, steal and without thought, challenge the institutions responsible for protecting us, we bear the brunt of the pain of recovery. We also continue this vicious cycle of exploitation and denial and in the long run do not benefit from our 'justifiable' actions or lack thereof. Evidently, our system of representation has failed to serve the public's interest; people are frustrated and are airing their dissatisfaction in a variety of ways (constructively and destructively). It also painfully obvious that this system of public representation is being exploited by the same people we have elected to support it. So, what do we do? We block the roads our own roads that are the gateways to safe and steady passage of necessary goods and services. We burn our own equipment and personal effects in protest. And I ask, who benefits? Now, we have escalated this insanity to another level, we take our lives into our own hands and slaughter without conscience, and again the question is raised? Who or what benefits? However, I will not fault our simplicity in our approach to our frustrations, I will however lay blame on those who exploit our good faith and desire for a better quality of life. Too long we have sat and watched in abject hopelessness at politicians year in year out, making promises, annihilating sectors of the Jamaican economy that they are tasked with overseeing, and securing by force and fraud the right to represent people who trust the system to do right by them. Jamaicans we cannot move forward until we hold accountable those who asked us to give them our vote. Why should you serve their self-serving, wayward agenda? I would suggest that we cease and desist from this senseless killing and violence and evaluate the future. Whatever you destroy, the government cannot fix. We also seriously need to look at the work of our local and national representatives and either stop the recycling or hold them to a higher standard. Personally, I do believe that a Truth and Reconciliation Commission should be appointed to examine instances of political abuses. I hold a grudge against every last politician because they have failed the Jamaican people, they have failed them miserably. I am, etc., RYAN MARTIN ry_martin@excite.com Georgetown Law Centre Washington DC Via Go-Jamaica
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