THE EDITOR, Sir:ON A recent morning Radio Talk Show, (December 18, 2001) a Government Cabinet Minister said that "the legacy of colonialism" was partly to blame for the bad road conditions existing in many parts of Jamaica. This statement was disappointing and depressing since he should know that:-
(1) The colonials left more than 50 years ago (Jamaica gained Self-Government long before its Independence in 1962).
(2) The roads then were left in a much better condition than they are in at present.
(3) Of concern is that the old, tired 'colonialism' excuse is so effectively used on the unthinking. The economy indirectly suffers.
The 'colonialism' excuse has a long shelf-life. It actually has no expiration date. Hence its enunciation suggests a lack of commitment to fix. Rather than 'the legacy of colonialism,' this is a policy of neglect.
Appeals to 'colonialism' for our shortcomings would cease if we changed so many others of our negative attitudes. Years ago it was said that France and Jamaica had the best roads in the world.
I am, etc.,
Dr. MARK HARRIS
Moore Town,
Portland
