The Editor, Sir:
As an independent nation we in Jamaica have our own government. We are not ruled from outside. We have our own central bank. We have our own culture. We have all the essential institutions that independent countries have. We are outstanding in many areas on the world scene.
I have one question though. Is it true that one of the critical attributes of an independent person, people or nation, is that of making their own decisions? By decision I mean final decision; not one subject to some other authority. In this light, if we do not have our own final court, but one which resides in some other culture, far away, are we really independent? How can final decisions about important matters relating to our justice reside in an institution of another nation? We have little in common in terms of culture and history, with this other country, despite interactions over the years, and there are no signs of us getting any closer.
The days of the master and slave relationship should have been gone long time ago, and so those who lead now need to explain to us, why there seems to be so little interest in Jamaica becoming truly independent. The period from 1962 to present is quite a long time. Why should we wait longer?
If we can have our own health/medical systems, our own financial systems, sporting systems, education systems, etc, etc, why can't we have our own complete justice system?
When will we be able to make our own independent final court decisions? I do not think that we are an inferior people. We can achieve what we need to.
If the proclamations of 1834 led to the removal of the shackles from our feet, then 1962 should remove them from our minds and our independence (including our court system). Come on leaders, let's get the job done.
I am, etc.,
LEE STERLING
star1cep@yahoo.com
Kingston 19
Via Go-Jamaica
