THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN RESPONSE to the letter dated July 16, 2002 written by James Snead, I have this to say. Mr. Snead's final comments suggesting that Mr. Lee should seek residence in China is racist and his outline of what colonialism has done to Jamaica is very one-sided.
Firstly, 'Out of many one people' means that whether his name is Lee, Chin or Harris he has all rights as a citizen, including freedom of expression and opinion. Secondly, in his one-sided view Mr. Snead failed to realise that just maybe if it had not been for slavery and consequently colonialism we as a people would have been more economically and socially advanced in our development.
For example, colonialism has given Jamaican society a rigid class system (that has only recently started to break down) in which if you are white or near white you are automatically assumed to be a person of importance, wealth and prestige.
There are many other negatives that have arisen as a result of colonialism. These can be evidenced by even the most rudimentary study of Caribbean history.
Finally may I suggest, since Mr. Snead is so fond of the British or British rule, he should go to England to live.
I am etc.,
RICK STERO
Freed Slave
r_stero@yahoo.com
Via Go-Jamaica
