THE EDITOR, Sir:
I MUST say that the protest yesterday was very successful. It has shown that we can protest without violence, although there may be small pockets of violence in some places.
The ruling party must be aware that although many of us did not go on the streets, we were in agreement with the protest. They may be asking why now when schools have re-opened? The protest was appropriate, because families did not really feel the effects until the 'back to school shopping' started. Also, the protest was appropriate at this time because schools have only just re-opened and registrations as well as getting children familiar with their classes and teachers would be going on. It is better to have the demonstration now than to wait until the children were settled and also to prevent the disruption of the syllabuses.
We cannot take anymore arrogance and corruption from this government, which does not care about the poor and destitute in our society. They know that once gas and electricity have increased it would have a domino effect, because the increases would definitely be passed on to us the hardworking consumers.
So when the Government, including Colin Campbell saying it was a dismal failure, they should think again. Because most Jamaican wanted the protest but did not want what happened in April of 1999. The number of people did not matter, the protest was what was important and the message was clear.
Therefore sir, I speak for a lot of people whom I have come in contact with to say that the protest was appropriate and successful.
I am, etc.,
M. HENRY
marjoe01@hotmail.com
