The Editor, Sir:

In reading through The Saturday Gleaner, November 4, my eyes caught the caption"Out of Many, But Not One" by Lloyd A. Myrie.

He has spoken for thousands of us patriotic citizens in this country, who through fear, or other reasons, are not able to express the undeniable truths mentioned by him, in this inspired publication.

I want to commend him for his fair comment, and courage, and thank you for making this important message to us. I hope it has been read by all our political leaders.

Honestly, this country Jamaica, created by an intelligent, all-powerful spiritual being, is already blessed by Him or Her, before the beginning of human history. It is a perfect, finished work. There is nothing more to add to it; and this country, and its people have a soft spot in the hearts of most of the visitors who come here. They are impressed by its natural beauty.

Our historians will confirm the fact that before we got Independence in 1962, our people in almost every community here, demonstrated not by talk, but by their actions, the family spirit of love, kindness, respect, discipline, a distinctive standard of conduct which was known as "good manners," together with protecting one another - adults, and particularly the children. Trust, love (goodwill), peace, unity, and harmony prevailed. One could go anywhere in this country, without fearing you might not return to your house alive.

Since Independence, the good and healthy relationship enjoyed by our fore-mothers, and fore-fathers was rejected, and replaced by suspicion, loss of trust in each other, enmity, hatred, and embracement of "materialism" as a god. Also among other things was the failure of the leaders we elected to manage the business of our country, to explain passionately the meaning of Independence and also politics. And the greatest evil that has been done to this country, is the division of the people, by the definition of the word "politics" Jamaican-style, familiar to all of us, and which should be added to all the dictionaries of the world.

"Out Of Many, But Not One." This is a fact on which all patriotic citizens all agree. And no human being can predict a time when Jamaicans will be united, if ever, with one vision for this country, and a willingness to work together for our own self-development, "this land which we say we love," and future generations.

The greatest question before this nation, at this crossroads in our history, is not which political party will be entrusted by the electors to administer the greatest business in this country, but which party will find the women and men needed, with intellectual and moral strength, courage and willingness to have personal internal transformation of their minds, freeing them of the curse of partisan politics. Then, having been healed, they will do their own thinking; discover their inward power to stand for truth and justice, and also deal with realities. Until then, the motto "Out of many one people", is a useless ritual. Peace be multiplied.

I am, etc.,

LINDSAY P. MONCRIEFFE

Minister of Religion

The Jamaica Baptist Union

57 Stars Way

Hughenden, Kingston 20