THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A Jamaican living abroad, I find it very distasteful how the mentally challenged are dealt with by fellow Jamaicans at home. The entire society seems to be neglectful of their existence except, of course, for a few charitable organisations such as Brothers of the Poor.
This couldn't be the Jamaica that has the most churches in the world per capita. If so, then where are the doers of good, the keepers of mercy and those that profess the virtues of Christianity? And if that's not all, why then do we have in the national pledge a promise to work diligently and creatively and to stand up for brotherhood in the prosperity and advancement of the whole human race? Is this a classic art of fallacy?
The same indignities, alienation and stigma with which the citizens treat people of unsound mind are perpetrated as well by Government officials of all parties. The present government came into power under the banner and slogan of, 'We put people first', but I must now ask, which people? The national motto proclaims "Out of many one people", but now I wonder if it has changed.
The modern day cliché, 'Jamaica, No Problem and One Love', seems nothing but mere words. Marcus Garvey gave to us, 'One God , One Aim, One Destiny'. Let us all live out its credence. Let us not isolate ourselves from those among us that need our help, compassion and love. Mental illness is a sickness that can be treated and in some cases cured. To borrow a line from a song, 'They (the insane) are no less than the trees or the stars, they too have a right to be here', and I add to that, 'to be cared for so that we can be proud as a nation to sing'. "We pledge our hearts forever to serve with humble pride."
I am, etc.,
KHARL MARXS DALEY
kharl.daley@moh.gov.on.ca
Toronto, Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
