THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE QUOTE 'What would the Jamaican economy be like today if we had retained the productive power of these skilled and talented Jamaicans? And their offspring! The mind boggles!' taken from Peter Espeut's commentary 'Meanderings in Canada', has prompted me to write.
As a proud Jamaican who has been living in Toronto for the past 22 years, it is very pleasing to know that the importance of Jamaicans abroad, (to Jamaica's economy) is finally being recognised and acknowledged. For far too long, Jamaicans abroad have been left out of the democratic and every other process back home. We have been made to feel like strangers despite the tremendous financial and other contributions we are making to our country.
Before the government put any plan into action to get my vote, I need to know, what is in it for me? Why should I take time out of my day to vote for a country I am afraid to visit and, if it remains as it is, I will never live in again. In exchange for my vote, all I am asking from the government is the protection and safety of all Jamaicans abroad upon their return to Jamaica. Am I asking for too much?
I have yet to hear of one murderer or robber of a visiting Jamaican who has been apprehended by the police. We are treated like intruders. (The moment we are recognised as a returnee/visitors (not a deportee), we are treated indifferently, i.e., over-charged, talked down to in very condescending manner, sometimes verbally abused, etc.
Like thousands of Jamaicans abroad, it hurts to know that I will NEVER again call Jamaica home. It hurts to know I have such a beautiful island and I am unable to enjoy it the way I once did. It hurts to know I do not feel welcome in my own country. It hurts me to know that that beautiful property we have in Ironshore, Montego Bay, we have to sell because we will never build our dream house on it. That hurts. When I left Jamaica, my plan was to build a home in Jamaica, and some day return and enjoy the fruits of my labour. Unfortunately, that dream went down the drain years ago; thanks to the lawlessness that has enveloped Jamaica.
When issues such as these have been addressed by the government, then and only then should I be expected to vote.
I am, etc.,
MAE WILKIE-TURNER
maewilkie@hotmail.com
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Via Go-Jamaicaletters
