The Editor, Sir:

This is a response to Mr. Seaga's two articles: (1) 'Some shameful sins of slavery' Sunday February 4 and (2) 'A monumental mix-up for 2007'.

I applaud the former Prime Minister of Jamaica for a balanced, insightful and factual account of the transatlantic debauchery meted out by one group of humans to another. Not only was the enslavement inhuman and cruel, but it deliberately destroyed the black family structure, using both men and women to reproduce more children, only to be snatched away and sold as objects.

Keen understanding

The assessmentby the former Prime Minister of the cruelty and damage done to the black family demonstrates his keen understanding and empathy toward the complex problems facing many Jamaicans. To quote Mr. Seaga: "One of the greatest sins of slavery was the destruction of the family unit. Enslaved men in Jamaica did not arrive here from family backgrounds in which they were itinerate baby fathers ... "

What Mr. Seaga says is documented and well known by most Jamaicans and people throughout the world. What makes it different is that many Jamaicans are uncomfortable discussing slavery with the fear that they will be viewed as racists! But surely, Mr. Seaga cannot be viewed as a racist - he belongs to the lite. He speaks truth to empower, without threatening anyone.

I concur with Mr. Seaga that too little emphasis is placed on the bicentennial to commemorate the abolition of slavery, compared to the attention paid the upcoming World Cricket event.

I am, etc.,

L. Spencer-Strachan

Medical anthropologist

55A Lady Musgrave Rd.,

Kingston