THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS SAD, absolutely sad, to see what Jamaicans who were given positions of influence have done to our country since independence. The majority of our leaders - church leaders, political leaders, business leaders, legal leaders, etc. - have all failed us young Jamaicans.
All of our leaders since independence were given the opportunities to make a difference in this country, BUT DID THEY? Can the records show it? How many of you leaders, now several years older and looking back over your lives, wished you had done things better, wished you had upheld justice and truth, wished you had used your position of influence better?
Are there any of you, my fellow Jamaicans, who are or were a part of this system of failure and corruption, who still have the POWER to put a stop to it, willing to do it?
NEW LEADERS CAN MAKE DIFFERENCE
I ask, because I believe you still can. As the next generation of Jamaican leaders, I am calling on you to do something now! You can still make a positive difference, you still have influence, you ARE still alive.
Though disappointed with your stewardship, my heart towards you is that of forgiveness and love. I understand why you did nothing, or not enough to make a lasting difference. I forgive you. And may the leaders of my generation also forgive you.
I am sending a challenge and a declaration to you. I WILL NOT BE BOUGHT into the existing corrupt system. I know it will cost me much, for many have attempted to go against the corrupt system of this nation and it has been awfully costly. But I have no fear. I know in whom I believe and He is able to keep me. I am committed to make a difference for the next generation. They will survive! I will be a positive change agent for national development.
I am sending a call to my generation of leaders - come forward with honesty, hard work and integrity. Let us rebuild our country. The events in our nation over the past years are opportunities for change.
Let justice and truth be ours forever and save Jamaica!
I am, etc.,
MILLICENT BATTICK
sbat@cwjamaica.com
Kingston 19
