THE EDITOR, Sir:
It is indeed frightening that every time one reads, watches or listens to the news, we are certain of one thing - accounts of criminal activity and varying forms of anti-social behaviour affecting all levels of society. Our overall development as a people is affected and will continue to be unless we take positive action to change the situation. From time to time, we read ideas of what needs to be done, but what is sadly lacking is action to bring about the desired change.
It is imperative that we start believing in ourselves as a people. We need a motto to motivate us to action, at both the individual and national levels. It must provide a sense of identity and motivate us to love, respect, decency. A national spiritual awakening is needed. This is the challenge that confronts every concerned citizen of this land. The answer to that which confronts us as a people lies within, who among us is willing to step out there and start the action? Where is a Joshua or a Martin Luther King?
In recent times, we have ideas, as well as that practical programme by the U.N.D.P to enhance our social development. But what is required is the spiritual energy to activate that sense of self without which there can be little constructive development.
I call on all concerned citizens, including myself, to go within and ask ourselves the question, What is my role in bringing about a sustained national spiritual awakening that will provide the energy for sustained spiritual, moral, social and economic development? Jamaica needs us now.
I am, etc.,
MARYLIN L. CARTER
28 Queensbury Drive
Kingston 19
