Put country before politics
published: Thursday | September 23, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE RECENT hurricane and its aftermath have made me both proud to be a Jamaican and disappointed in our inability to rise above petty political squabbling.

During the heart of the hurricane I was glued to my computer listening to the radio streams of Power 106. It kept me informed on the status of the country and reassured me that we would make it through to the sunlight of the next day.

In the aftermath, corporations, government and ordinary Jamaicans took the initiative and started to do what was necessary to rebuild the country. The ground in some places is not yet dry and I have already heard the voices of those who remind me of an industrial plant in which I once worked. After a major equipment failure, the department heads were more concerned with whose department would get the blame for the failure instead of focusing on what would be necessary to get the equipment repaired.

I had hoped that this disaster would give us an opportunity to remember who we are and that we are all Jamaicans first. People in leadership positions have a responsibility to assist in rebuilding the country. There will be plenty of time, when the country is back on its feet, to resume the petty squabbling.

I am, etc.,

MARK FRASER

fraser70@comcast.net

Chester, Virginia, USA