THE EDITOR, Sir:
ONE THING Jamaica boasts is freedom of speech, so talk shows, (formal and informal) and forums proliferate. There's verandah talk, bar room talk, cocktail party talk and radio talk inter alia. Talk which does not result in change where change is necessary however, is not just cheap but useless.
One hears lots of talk about our national achievements or lack of it depending on who's talking. Indeed many boast about some vast strides we have made while others feel, and can produce empirical evidence to show that we are going backwards.
DECEPTION
When the claim of life-improving progress is not felt by the average man he may see it as deception and become sceptical. There is much of that these days notwithstanding much parliamentary boasting of vast improvements or stability in our economic affairs.
It must be remembered, however, that usually the man who constantly beats his chest while declaring vehemently that he is man in his yard, usually isn't - ask his wife. As it is in the home so it is in the nation. When therefore our public officials make emphatic claims of being on the right track, or having things under control while empirical evidence strongly contradicts the beating of the chest is a hollow sound - ask the nation. Some, if not most of us are no longer willing to be hypnotised by fancy promises spoken in salubrious tones. We are more prone these days to applaud performance rather than announcements.
UNRECONCILED POSITION
This unreconciled position (talk versus action/reality) breeds scepticism, promotes mistrust and hinders progress. Trust is founded upon precedent and precedent forms the basis for confidence. Some dangerous precedents are being set by regular disappointments at the highest levels, empty promises proliferate. As a continuum scepticism is inevitable.
These days the nation is rife with many protests, instability and existential fear. The squeals and protests however seem to fall on deaf ears while the authorities remain unscathed. This is rebuffed with disdain and indeed arrogance by some of our major policy directors, many of whom exhibit an unwillingness to publicly accept that we are a country in a crisis.
Identification and acceptance is a primary step towards the solution of any problem. This unwillingness/inability is pervasive. As a result many citizens recoil to become sceptics with the moisture of depression forming mildew on their fabric of hope. The authorities have failed the test of social perceptiveness and in many respects their role as custodians of the nation's confidence is being seriously questioned.
I am, etc.,
VERNON B. WILLIE
jevern@yahoo.com
