There is no magic cure
published: Wednesday | February 11, 2004
THE EDITOR, Sir:
JAMAICA IS rotten to the core. If one goes to the dentist with a decaying tooth the options are (i) fill it (ii) extract it, or (iii) leave it.
None of the options is without a cost. While filling is the most desirable option (given the fact the problem exists and prevention is no longer an option) it requires that the decaying area be drilled until it is totally removed. This means some of the good part of the tooth will have to be removed before being filled. The same applies to the removal of cancerous cells from the body.
I would like for all Jamaicans to wake up and realise that there is no magic cure. Whatever is implemented will be at some cost. Curfews will inconvenience law-abiding citizens. Detentions will include innocent victims. The idea is to minimise dislocations and make the procedures as painless as possible. The rot has taken root and for it to be removed there is going to be some cost. Jamaicans must realise this and be prepared to pay now in order to build for the future.
If we continue to wait for a miracle, the painless cure with no inconvenience, no cost, then the cure will be at hand and remain un-administered while the patient dies.
