The Editor, Sir:

A very hearty amen to the views expressed by columnist Peter Espeut in your publication on January 24, titled: 'Once and for all'. I implore all religious leaders in Jamaica, and all Jamaicans around the world, to emulate Deacon Espeut in taking such a bold stance against garrisons and the crimes they fester.

Rebellion and civil disobedience

Furthermore, I suggest that it is long past the time for religious leaders and Jamaicans with guts to insist that if the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition continue to refuse to tear down their garrisons and to rid our beloved country of the current senseless murders, then all concerned Jamaicans should rise up in a rebellion and civil disobedience that would rival the Morant Bay uprising under Paul Bogle and George William Gordon. Enough is enough.

As the 2007 general elections draw near, Jamaicans must open their eyes and minds to the truths expressed by Mr. Espeut, and tell Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding that they are suffering from a serious credibility deficit due to their refusal to dismantle their garrisons.

Boycott election

In 1983, Michael Manley and the PNP were bold enough to boycott Edward Seaga's stealth election, calling it "bogus." This time, unless Portia and Bruce tear down their garrisons before the elections, every single Jamaican should boycott the next general elections as a stance against garrison politics. Enough is enough.

I am, etc.,

REV. MERVIN STODDART

INMerv@hotmail.com

P. O. Box 150953

Altamonte Springs, Florida

Via Go-Jamaica