By Grace Cameron, Lifestyle Editor 
- Norman Grindley /Staff Photographer
I WAS a toddler when Jamaica made its first sigh as an independent nation back on August 6, 1962. I therefore remember nothing of those celebrations.
I will long remember, however, this 40th anniversary of our independence the thousands of people who cast their issues aside to celebrate with jubilance and vigour; the street dances; events like Harbour Fest; the New Kingston Street Jam; and people spilling out of the National Stadium during the Grand Gala cultural presentation last Tuesday.
Which brings me to my point.
It doesn't matter to those of us born just before and who have come after that first independence what happened in the 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s.
Yes, we realise the importance of knowing our history, we know that we must be mindful of and be guided by our past. However, it's of no significance to us now and to our future as to who brought in the first guns and who fired the first shots. We want to know of those with power and influence what kind of Jamaica you ache for, and if you dare to plan and act to meet your heart's longing.
We want to know if you have been opened by life's failures and betrayals, or whether you have become twisted and gnarled with the need for revenge, power and wealth.
We want to know if you'll risk looking 'soft' for love of country, for the quest for peace and unity, for the dream of your fellow citizens to live free and trod daily without fear. We want to know if you have the backbone to square off against the gunmen and the dons who rule with fear and act with evil and impunity. We want to know if you can feel your fear and yet act honourably or if you will silently sanction and entertain the thieves, drug pushers, and dishonest people who may be among your midst.
It doesn't interest us how wealthy we were in the 60s or the 70s. We want to know if you can plan with purpose and lead with honesty and whether you are big enough to gather and work with the best minds and the soundest characters. We want to know if you can think boldly, act decisively, non-politically, dance wildly and inspire a nation to think beyond its boundaries. We want to know if you have scruples and if you are therefore worthy of our trust.
It doesn't interest us the colours you wear or where your social status lies. We want to know if you can disappoint the children who wear the stripes that differ from your own and whether you will open the path to allow them passage to a better life. We want to know if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.
It doesn't interest us how rich you are or how you gain such affluence. We want to know if you can withstand the anguish of those around you and the shame of cheating young people and workers for the greed of money.
It doesn't interest us which obeah man you visit, what spells you cast or potions you conjure. What interests us is whether you have looked at the core of your being and are at peace with your spiritual self.
We want to know if you can see strength in the backs of young farmers, hope and courage behind the zinc fences of the ghetto, and if you can gather determination and energy from their presence. We want to know if you can live with failure, and still stand on the edge of a river and shout to the rest of the world, "YES!"
It doesn't interest us who did what to whom and when. We want to know if you can get up after days of grief and despair, roadblocks and gas riots, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to lead a nation.
It doesn't interest us how powerful you are, which world leaders you've met or whether you've entertained royalty. We want to know if you have the vision, grace and magnanimity to stand back in the shadows and applaud and encourage a younger generation of leaders.
We want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
With apology to The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Native American Elder
What's on your mind? Tell us and we'll publish it in this space we've created especially for you. It could be a quirky observation or a serious note, we only ask that you keep it to about 350 words (include a recent photograph and a phone number or an address). We also welcome your letters. Send your views to Flair Co-ordinator Fax: 922-6223; e-mail: lifestyle@gleanerjm.com; by mail: 7 North Street, Kingston.
