THE EDITOR, Sir:
WE ALL cannot help but notice the large sums of money spent on and around this year's election. These great sums of money, presumably, have been spent to ensure that we have free and fair elections. In addition, if the sums spent on the election campaign by the two main parties had been made available for public use, I am sure that the same could have been used to rebuild and transform an entire inner-city community.
Much of this money, no doubt, must have come from the coffers of the business sector. Our business people and the rest of us must answer the question, is this justifiable? One assumes that this is all done with the view in mind that our future will be determined by whichever party wins.
In this country, we feel that having cast our vote, the responsibility for improving our society is now the government's and whatever happens good or bad, is to be considered a function of their performance. Jamaica will not change until we all take responsibility for our country, before, during and after elections.
Whichever party wins, we must hold them accountable regarding the promises they have made, challenging the ones which are irrelevant, as well as ensuring justice and equity for all. Those who did not win, especially the new parties must continue to work to bring about the change that they have envisioned.
Leaders who represent various organisations and people groups, for example, PSOJ, JMA, JFJ and others, should initiate and mobilise debates ventilating national issues, so as to ascertain proper understanding and a wide cross-section input on these matters. From these debates, strong representation should be made to the government.
Churches need to unite and be on the ground, reaching out to people who are significantly oppressed, both physically and spiritually. We need to bring hope to communities that have been ravished by the enemy of our soul, whose determination is to continue the process of stealing, killing and destroying lives.
Our musicians need to see themselves as having a part to play in the process of building the nation, not only preaching at election time and then at war the rest of the time. Their lyrics many times promote violence and continue to degrade and devalue our women, undermining healthy family values. These values may have nothing necessarily to do with the government, yet when absent they lead to the fragmentation of our society.
Each citizen of Jamaica must take responsibility for making this country a better place. Our duty goes beyond voting. If we do not pursue and continue the momentum for change and betterment, regardless of the party it will not be the politicians who have failed, but we ourselves.
I am, etc.,
BRUCE A. FLETCHER
bruceaf@hotmail.com
