THE EDITOR, Sir:WHEN I left Jamaica in 1979, I dreamed of returning home at the earliest time possible for good. After my children were grown and I was able, I did return. As I have always told my Canadian cousins, the beauty of Jamaica is as much its people as it is the country, and that I found to be true.
Where else in the world could you find such beautiful people as in Jamaica? However, my heart was broken when I saw the unbridled power of the police and the lack of integrity in our political leaders.
No one wished to normalise the situation in my beloved land. I've ridden in country buses, taxis lived in the ghettos (captured lands) trying to understand why people took land which was not theirs etc., why the violence? Last night watching the news, in Toronto, I saw that again violence had broken out in Flankers, Montego Bay. I remember the people who were trying desperately to make a living having their goods seized by the police, people braiding the hair of visitors having to spend time in jail for doing so while her five children were wondering where their mother was.
My father was a philanthropist in his day and I grew up believing that one was his/her brothers' keepers but sadly all goodwill seems to have gone from the hearts of those elected/selected to serve. They seem to mimic the old British style of segregation and aristocracy and behave as though they are better than those they serve. I cannot think of a greater honour than helping someone who needs help, but apparently others think that its a measure of being better than the other person.
Today, Jamaica needs someone of integrity, someone who is better than all those I met in authority while I was there. Those who should know better keep their mouths shut while my country dies. Pity. All those who prefer one political party over another ought to put their love of Jamaica over any political party. Jamaica comes first, the people come first.
Just a few passing thoughts as my daughter prepares to come home for the holidays. I sincerely hope that I will see her alive again in the new year. Please notice that I said come home rather than visit because this is my home.
I am etc.,
LANS WALKER
jahwalks@spectranet.ca
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
