THE EDITOR, Sir:
WITH DUE respect to those who have attempted to 'play down' the significance of the recent statement by Minister Assamba, I fear that this utterance has deep implications for the life of the nation.
First, the statement goes against all that is morally right in the administration of a democratic nation. Jamaica, at many stages of its life, has declared itself to be a 'Christian' country not that all or even most of its citizens are Christians, but that the country seeks to follow the principles of Christ. That is why prayers are said and services held on civic occasions.
The Assamba statement infringes the central Christian principle of love for all people regardless of political or other differences. It also infringes the principle of impartiality in civic appointments, job opportunities, etc. Once a party has been elected to office, the mandate in a democratic country is to serve all the people whether they voted for you or not. Needless to say, it also destroys that oneness which our National motto directs us to earnestly aspire to and strive after. It is a serious moral offence.
But, secondly, it is a serious social offence. If the statement by Minister Assamba is unashamedly true, then one need not inquire why our society is being torn apart by murder and crime.
The simple but blatant statement by Minister Assamba therefore shows why all the efforts to curb the crime situation have failed. The problem is a moral one.
I am, etc.,
REV. EARL THAMES
North Middlesex
Learning Centre,
Tower Isle, St. Mary
