THE EDITOR, Sir:
DURING THE week ending May 21, I listened to an early morning radio talk show on one of the radio stations. One speaker engaged the moderator in a discussion on murder and violence in the nation. He spoke of democracy as government by, for and of the people. All commendable as the definition is well established.
However, he went off track in addressing the murder rate in Jamaica. He claimed he would welcome an invasion of Jamaica as the government cannot deal with the crime. The case of Iraq was given as an example of the establishment of a democracy. As this may be a view held by others I feel the need to comment.
Can democracy be imposed externally by war that disregards human life, property and peace?
Despite the violence we face in Jamaica by the misguided, indisciplined, selfish and mean-hearted among us, we cannot overlook our peaceful transition from colonial rule of over 300 years to a sovereignty of which we can be justly proud. We do not need primitive barbarism to maintain our well-earned democratic way of life. True democracy is a process that emerges from within through adult rational thinking and adult suffrage, not by vote purchasing.
We must join hands and hearts to deal with what we are becoming by a complete change and attitude towards law and order, respect for each other and regard for human rights, and do not open the door for outside agencies to determine our destiny, development and way of life.
Let us cherish and sustain our sovereignty in peace and unity so that this country can grow and prosper as God would have us do.
I am, etc.,
R.A. YOUNG
grupyoung@cwjamaica.com.
