By Ray Hadeed, ContributorOVER THE last few years, we have seen Jamaica moving more and more towards the abyss in which the rule of law no longer prevails. Murder has become the order of the day where men, women and children have been killed every day. Acts of lawlessness increase by day and by night in total defiance of efforts by our national leaders, yet neither the security forces, the political leaders nor the leadership of the private sector appear to be able to control the sad state of our country.
Our borders are been invaded by men and woman hell-bent to destroy our last hope of survival. The statement by Mr. Purdy the specialist that we had invited to advise us on the existing state of our country speaks volumes. The after-effects of Hurricane Ivan 'The Terrible', the increase in prices on basic food items on the road as well as the supermarket is most scandalous.
SOLE PREROGATIVE
This responsibility is not the sole prerogative of the government, nor should the government alone be held accountable for the apparent inability on the part of the nation to stem the rising tide of lawlessness and corruption. The new initiative 'Kingfish' I hope this will catch the big fish that prey on our body and soul.
There can be no doubt that the state of anarchy, corruption, and of lawlessness that prevails in the country is having a deleterious effect on our lives. We cannot flourish in a climate of fear, for the lives of our women and our children, and for the future of the country.
This lawlessness, and corruption, so frightful in its scope and intensity, must stop. The deterioration of our country into a condition where criminal and corruption practices are on the rise, and the criminal elements and illegal activities appear to be out of control, must be of great concern to all law-abiding and peace-loving Jamaicans.
For the sake of Jamaica, in the name of all that is good and wholesome and decent, I appeal to the Government, the Opposition, the private sector and the trade union leadership, to put an end to the polarisation that has held the country in no-man's land of lawlessness and corruption and is taking it to the brink of the abyss of anarchy.
Let all of us agree to shun these things that divide us. Let us work together to develop effective national strategies to save our beloved country.
Let us outlast the lawlessness and corruption.
Ray Hadeed is an industrialist and businessman.
