THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE PUBLICATION of a speech made on the recent presidential campaign-trail highlighted the speaker's lament over people 'losing their souls'.
Coming as it did from a political venue where many of the bodies present were possibly wrapped up in party T-shirts on their outsides with naked souls on their insides, it was an awesome acknowledgement that should not be readily forgotten.
With the exception of crime and violence, one of the most unfortunate developing trends in our country is that fewer and fewer people are participating in community affairs and community life, a clear indication that people are losing their souls and indeed their spirits.
PRICE TAG ATTACHED
Too often in everyday life a price tag is attached to almost everything and the mercenaries are many, especially at the onset of an election. Attendance at civic meetings is diminishing, volunteerism and leadership in civic organisations like the Cadets, Scouts and Girl Guides are suffering because of general community apathy.
A glaring example of the 'national apathy syndrome' is evidenced at almost every school's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, where both parental attendance and involvement are usually by the same handful of parents time after time.
Whatever may be the reason for the absence of our national spirit and national vitality, what has become evident is that the few people who exert the greatest influence and pressure on us, end up having the greatest impact on us. As such, we all end up fooling ourselves and live a myth when we claim that the 'majority rules'.
Citizens' participation in their country's affairs may seem like a small thing to do but everyone who participates adds to any exercise which underpins the making of national decisions.
Even where the individual's contribution may seem insignificant, whoever choses to do nothing because he could only do a little, is making as bad a judgement as he who chooses not to try at all.
CIVIC ENCOURAGEMENT
Notwithstanding the widespread political disenchantment of many and the increased public awareness of wrongdoing on the part of some public officers (without there being any consequences or punishment), the silent majority will have to find creative ways to help with the rebuilding of the average citizen's belief, trust and confidence in public institutions and public affairs.
We cannot and should not watch from a distance because it is the majority who has more to lose. With hearts, souls, hands and voices, we must provide civic encouragement to all who we can, in all the ways we can, for as long as we can. We are all stakeholders in our country and the more we are together, the more soulful and happier we shall be.
I am, etc..
SONIA CHRISTIE
Stewart Town P. O., Trelawny.
