THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE GLEANER of July 23, 2003 carried a letter from Colin D. Whittingham commenting on a photograph published two days earlier of two well-known politicians (James Robertson and Paul Burke) travelling on a motorcycle and not wearing helmets.
I share the writer's distress which he so candidly expressed.
There are, however, honourable and impressive precedents of high-profile politicians and high-ranking functionaries motorcycling with their heads unshackled by helmets.
The Gleaner of December 19, 2000 carried a photograph of Police Commissioner Francis Forbes taking "National Security Minister K.D. Knight for a ride aboard one of the 60 new motorcycles handed over to the police force..." These two pillars of the law, justice and security were not wearing helmets.
The Gleaner of November 13, 2002 carried a photograph of the same Police Commissioner smiling "...as National Security Minister, Dr. Phillips, tries out one of the 101 motorcycles handed over to the Jamaica Constabulary Force..." The Honourable Minister was not wearing a helmet.
I do not suggest that the distinguished Commissioner and our esteemed Ministers were doing anything unlawful as their frolicking took place on the plush, "well-manicured" lawns outside the Commissioner's office and not on a public road.
In the event of, God forbid, any thrills or spills, any indiscretions committed by them may be attributed to "exuberance" and have not affected my regard for them "one jot or tittle."
I think, however, that there is one thing common to all the incidents mentioned above. On each occasion a golden opportunity was squandered to lead by example and to send a wonderful and powerful message to the people of this country.
If I might quote, adopt and extend the closing words of Mr. Whittingham's letter - those who purport to lead should at all times "recognise that it is incumbent on them to set a proper example".
I am, etc.,
BERESFORD HAY
PO Box 1191
Kingston 8
