THE EDITOR, Sir:
I FEEL that the absence of integrity contributes to and exacerbates the many wrong things in Jamaica. The examples are myriad in personal and public life. Our word is no longer our bond. Unfortunately, too often it is given without the slightest intention of being honoured by the old and young alike, professionals and others who "just a do a thing."
Christmas 2001 and 2002 brought this uncomfortably home to me. The institution I work for held its annual Christmas dinner at two prominent hotels in the city. On both occasions the meals were below par and items that had been agreed to in writing were glaringly absent. Our hosts on both occasions did not see the need to apologise until we complained. This is inexcusable. These places advertise that they give impeccable service. What we received for $1,200 and $1,150 per person was scandalous. I refuse to believe that the treatment we received was because we are ignorant locals. To be fair, the ambiance at both places particularly the latter was great.
As a nation we must get our act together. There are far too many incidents of the type I have described. The only way we can truly achieve real success in Jamaica is by doing our best. All Jamaicans, men, women and children must perform each task well. It is only by doing so that we will achieve excellence. Whenever a service or product is provided it must be of the highest standard no matter who the recipient is. Quality must be our watchword. We must not perpetuate rip-offs. I believe wholeheartedly that anything done well gives joy. I have experienced this and nothing beats this natural high.
As we move further into this millennium let us resurrect the timeless classic that anything worth doing, is worth doing well. Students, farmers, entrenpreneurs, vendors, administrators, nurses, clerks, Members of Parliament, contractors, doctors, pastors, civil servants, post office workers, teachers, higglers and lawyers, let us make Jamaica the integrity capital of the world.
A timely start could be to donate blood as this is urgently needed. Those of us who can should give this life saving gift. If each act performed is done with integrity then, the kind of humane society that we dream about can become a reality.
I am etc.,
KAY DAVID
11A Lorraine Avenue Kingston 10.
