NETTLEFORD

The Editor, Sir:

I write simply to say thanks for that balanced and well-thought through editorial in this morning's Gleaner (August 21, 2006), headed "Clarify, please, Monsignor". I am sure, as you were kind to suggest, that Monsignor Albert in advocating more effective government policies for poverty alleviation, did not mean to imply that Independence is a mockery.

The monsignor himself would certainly not regard his native United States' efforts of 1776 to be a mockery despite all that has ensued since that time - from the Civil War through persistent inner-city poverty, racial discrimination and lynchings, to the present conflict in Iraq.

I am, therefore, grateful that your editorial took time to remind us all that despite the lingering despair, hope lies in the demonstrated fact and future possibilities of the tens of thousands of us who have emerged from immiseration and deprivation as a result of the movement for self-determination, which did not start in 1962.

Never forget

This certainly deserves not to be forgotten following on the sterling heroic work of the likes of Marcus Garvey, Norman Manley, Alexander Bustamante and the numerous voluntary community workers since the late 1950s.

It is to the credit of our democracy that some of our greatest doomsayers, even while being clear beneficiaries of what progress the country has made, can still give our leaders holy hell for their transgressions without fear of personal liquidation or premature demise. Long indeed may this last!

Again, my thanks.

I am, etc.,

R.M. NETTLEFORD

Vice Chancellor Emeritus

University of the West Indies