THE EDITOR, Sir:
AFTER 43 years of Independence, it would be reasonable to argue that for the vast majority of Black Jamaicans, there has been relatively little change in their fortunes (vis a vis) post-emancipation (era) days. Then as now the majority of blacks were landless. Then as now their livelihood depended on cheap wages for labour or meagre subsistence.
Then, however, the black masses were by and large united by their quest for justice, equality and hope for a better life. Their common enemy was the uncompassionate descendant of the slave owners. Their struggle for justice and opportunity crescendoed in personalities such as Paul Bogle, Sam Sharpe, Quashie and Marcus Garvey.
The founding of the JLP in 1943 after that of the PNP in 1938 - could be (passed off) seen as a route to democracy.
DIVIDE OF THE BLACK MASSES
However, with the passage of time, especially after independence 1962, the two-party system has served to divide the black masses, blurring their original focus of unity, justice and opportunity.
This polarisation continues to grow, causing crime, violence, distrust and disunity - while the politicians reap the benefits of hefty salaries, perks and power, oftentimes offering nothing more than false promises.
February 25, 2006 - historic for the selection of the first female prime minister-designate Portia Simpson Miller, offers an opportunity for justice, unity and prosperity amongst our people.
One route to achieve this would be to form a People's Union of Jamaica (PUOJ).
This organisation would allow reputable persons from both PNP and JLP, as well as any interested citizen, to serve in the nation's interest. Currently, party loyalty presides over the national interest and this is unacceptable.
The PUOJ would still allow the public to have choices of selection or election of ministers based on their performance.
BOOSTING OUR COMPETITIVE SPIRIT
It would provide a National Agenda able to tap the natural genius of our people around a mission statement for success and prosperity through unity and creativity. A People's Union of Jamaica would be an inclusive partnership between the masses, private sector, and politicians, providing an environment with no room for exploitation, indeed a win-win situation.
The PUOJ would not kill our competitive spirit, but rather than operating at harmful internal levels, we would be putting our collective and productive energies against other progressive nations, for example, Singapore, Japan, Cuba or England.
A PUOJ would create an environment suitable for sustainable development; creative innovations; research and development. This would allow us to experience a sense of national pride and unity as was experienced when our Reggae Boyz qualified for the World Cup in France or more recently with our outstanding success at the eighteenth Commonwealth Games in Australia.
I am, etc.,
Dr. A. GREEN M.D.
Coordinator
Universal African Improvement Association
