THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WANT to preface my comments with the following quote from D.K. Duncan's article of July 2, 2002:
"The consensus document on crime and violence is premised on a treatment plan that... if the problem is killed at the root then the effects we don't want will go away."' Presumably there are effects that "we" want.
I will supply the answer to Dr. Duncan's question "Who will be the executioner?" Anyone but the politicians! The tribalisation of the people is not an incidental occurrence. The people are divided to better achieve their subjugation. The signing of a "consensus document" is as meaningless as the signing of the "peace treaty" in the late 70s.
The question, however, bears repeating. Who will be the executioner? I am presumptuous enough to say the warriors on the field of battle, first of all, and then the war-weary, peace-loving folk. Yes, those who bear the brunt of this scourge are going to rid themselves of it ultimately. I hope it will be soon.
I have accepted, without challenge, the premise that the root of the crime and violence in Jamaica is "political tribalism." If the politicians assert it, I shall not contest it. The question that is in need of resolution is this: What is at the root of this political tribalism?
At the root of this state of 'ISM' is a society of few HAVES and a multitude of HAVENOTS. There are many among the great multitude of the deprived who will kill and maim for the promise of a few scraps. The problem of political tribalism is fundamentally a problem of social inequity. This is the problem that needs to be addressed. Who will be the executioner of this condition of inequity? Who, indeed?!
Perhaps the old 'leftist' will give us a hint.
I am etc
ADUKU ADDAE
jamericanbwoy@hotmail.com
Via Go-Jamaica
