THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN LIGHT of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's (PSOJ) ultimatum to the government regarding the public and meaningful disassociation from dons and other public criminal figures, the PSOJ should expand on the vote ultimatum. It seems that if the threatened politicians cannot extricate themselves from the control of criminals, who is likely to replace them in the polls? It seems that the members of the PSOJ would have to run for office, having declared that their values are more in keeping with the majority of law-abiding Jamaicans.
The political system is very dynamic, and is subject to much stress, and one element of it is dialogue. This dialogue in a democratic society is noisy and sometimes chaotic, but needs to be had (eventually it will become a harmonic chorus, with good leadership). The abiding rule of debate is respect for opposing opinion. As Mel Cooke noted, there were no mass closings for the many heinous crimes that have taken place over the past many years. The poor demonstrate and burnt tyres, now the PSOJ close their stores. Either way, everybody loses.
Now that the scourge of criminals is upon us all, having been declared by the murder of Mr. Azan and Phang, it might be the seed that will begin dialogue between the 'burn tyre' and 'lock up shop' classes. If nothing else, this serves to highlight the fact that it is the same Jamaica, against whom an element in the country has declared war.
Maybe now, our collective efforts, by means of hard work, respect and encouragement for each other, can create a common goal shared by all Jamaica, for a peaceful and prosperous Jamaica.
This seems to be a signal to the politician and criminals that a political will is in the air. It is necessary that the dialogue to cement this be opened, focused and nurtured, to create the foundation for the Jamaica that we all want to exist. Who knows? From this, there may emerge a genuine political leadership for all Jamaicans.
I am,etc.,
HUGH M. DUNBAR
hmdenergy@optonline.net
West New York, NJ
Via Go-Jamaica
