THE EDITOR, Sir:
NOW THAT the election is over, one would expect soberness and forward-thinking deliberations instead of the continuous political slandering.
When you listen to the call-in programmes in the mornings, it is all about party politics for and against, which is indicative that as a people we are still politically immature.
Most of the calls are negative and always re-visiting the ills of the past from both political parties PNP and JLP.
It is disgusting to hear that since Independence nothing has been achieved and that it is the economic crisis during the PNP's administration that is creating the upsurge of brutal criminality. If so then, both major political parties are to be equally blamed.
Today, Jamaica's No. 1 enemy is crime and violence, which needs to be attacked head-on by every Jack man.
What we need now more than ever is solidarity and not insularity because politics is far too power-based and very often is abused to the detriment of the populace.
The message of peace and love has been centuries old and was intended by the Almighty to transcend down throughout the ages but man's wayward behaviour repudiates it.
The government of the day, in the quest for peace, had initiated preventative measures to eliminate crime and violence.
Just to mention a few values and attitudes, Peace Management Initiative, Operation Crime Stop, community-based policing, special conflict resolution etc.
The Prime Minister's victory and swearing-in ceremony speeches were superb and again, reiterated the call for unity from the opposition and all sectors of the society in order to combat crime and poverty.
A word of warning, however, that although this unity is desirable, one can put a millstone around one's neck and, therefore, it should be approached with wisdom.
Let's get out of the party politics syndrome and grow up and use our hearts, heads and hands to make Jamaica a better place in which to live.
We must all consider ourselves as nation-builders; any insidious intentions by anyone can only reverse the hands of the clock.
Those of us who read the book entitled Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained can have the assurance that by the help of God they will behold "Jamaica Regained".
The voice of the people is the voice of God, so, to the PNP and JLP, God has spoken in this general election.
I am, etc.,
E.N. PERKINS
Mandeville
Manchester
