UK visa requirement - shame on us
published: Thursday | January 9, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT WAS announced this morning (January 8) on British television that all Jamaicans travelling to the UK must have an entry clearance visa effective midnight tonight.
Britain says the move aims to cut airport queues and reduce the number of people who abscond while on temporary visas. They also say it will make life harder for drug smugglers.
Jamaica being a member of the Commonwealth has again lost one of its privileges. It is depressing for Jamaicans that Britain had to resort to those decisions, as while they could really cut airport queues, some law-abiding Jamaicans will definitely feel, and be, targeted. It could be hotly debated whether or not we have caused this upon ourselves. Let us hope this will send a clear signal to lawless Jamaicans who feel they must travel with disgusting behaviour to the UK and make it more difficult for lawful Jamaicans to enter. It is quite a shame, but a positive shame that the UK had to resort to this. If you have ever had a negative, embarrassing, uncalled for travel experience or had to hang your head in shame amongst one of your own abroad, then you would understand my sentiments.
Notwithstanding, I charge all well-thinking Jamaicans to continue flying our flag high. Our country is strong and we are all proud people wherever we travel. It is time enough we all stand firm for the positives in our country and eradicate the negatives. One step begins with each of us, so let us behave at home and abroad, that the world can begin to respect us.
