The Editor, Sir:

It is interesting to note that this debate about apologies for slavery continues, and it is evident that we are still confused about our past.

The fundamental problem is that we tend to mix religion and history without understanding the religion of our history and the history of our religion. Our education and training continue to prepare us to aspire towards everything non-African and all measures of success are based on European ideals.

Let us refocus on the kind of economics, medicine, politics and sociology that kept African societies for centuries sustained until a new way of thinking crept in that taught us to dominate each other at all cost.

Let us live in universal brotherhood, practise micro-economics, protect the environ-ment, place a high value on justice for all, provide equal opportunities in order to build and sustain ourselves, family, community, country, region and, ultimately, mother earth. If we continue on this current path, we will self-destruct, and all will be affected, irrespective of race, colour or creed.

I am, etc.,

CHARLES SPENCE

charlesspence411@hotmail.com

Half Moon P.O., St. James

Via Go-Jamaica