Where was Mr. Seaga?
published: Thursday | August 28, 2003

THE EDITOR: Sir

I BELIEVE I echo the sentiment of most, if not all Jamaicans, when I say that the recent 'homecoming' of Dr. the Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverley, our own Miss Lou, added a seminal gilt to this year's Emancipation and Independence celebrations. The outpouring of love and emotion for this remarkable lady was literally palpable. That stoic gentleman, Ian Boyne, even admitted to having shed a few tears. However, there was one unfortunate event, or I should say non-event, that served to mar the experience for me.

No, I am not speaking of the disgraceful behaviour of those denizens of dancehall on the night of the New Kingston street celebrations. Neither am I referring to the inexplicable technical and other glitches at the tribute to Miss Lou. No, the thing that was most regrettable for me was the absence of the Leader of the Opposition at both the Independence Parade and Tribute to Miss Lou.

These celebrations served to commemorate our nation's struggle for human rights and self-determination. In our democracy, the Leader of the Opposition continues to play an integral part in this struggle. It therefore behoved Mr. Seaga to make every attempt to be present at these celebrations, or at least supply a reasonable explanation for his absence. Sadly, the apology proffered by his deputy failed to elicit much sympathy from me, or the other individuals with whom I watched the events.

The unfortunate impression that we came away with was that Mr. Seaga disrespected these non-partisan national celebrations, simply because his recommendation that the government curtail its expenditure on these events, was ignored. If this were the case then Mr. Seaga's action smacked of extremely poor sportsmanship and does not portray him as the true statesman we know him to be.

I am, etc.,

MAURICE A.

TOMLINSON

1st Year Student,

Norman Manley Law School

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