THE EDITOR, Sir:
WHAT IS the purpose of a protest? This letter is not about bashing the Jamaica Labour Party or the Peoples National Party. It is about seeking clarification because I am lost.
Therefore, although I understand the elements of the protest, which are, price increases in water, electricity, transport and telephone rates, I do not really understand what the Jamaica Labour Party wants to accomplish from this protest. I understand that the Peoples National Party is not listening to the cries of the people. But does that warrant a protest?
I reside in the United States of America so I rely on The Jamaica Gleaner to keep me informed about the issues in Jamaica. Therefore, I expect to fully understand the issues that affect Jamaica.
Yes, I agree that price increases in the elements mentioned above will severely affect the poor. However, how will the poor benefit from this protest after the protest is over? In addition, how long after the protest will they be able to reap the benefits from the protest?
Price increases happen in North America all the time. Here in the United States of America, the price per gallon of gasoline increases significantly every three days for the past six months. Here in northern Virginia, the cheapest price is US$3.18 per gallon. Yet, the major political party does not lead a nationwide protest. Do we really need an islandwide protest in Jamaica?
I am, etc.,
CARGILL KELLY,Sr.
c465@erols.com
Manassas, VA
Via Go-Jamaica
