The Editor, Sir:

I watched Cliff Hughes's programme, Impact, on TVJ on Wednesday night with Pat Rousseau, former president of the Jamaica Cricket Board. Cliff asked him whether or not 'heads should roll' over the fundamental mistakes made in the Cricket World Cup.

Before Mr. Rousseau answered yes, he made the statement that we (in the Caribbean) do not normally take responsibility for our actions, but yes, he thought that 'heads should roll'.

That is one of the bravest and plainest statements I've heard in a long time in this country.

Throughout the entire interview, you could see and hear that he was speaking as truthfully and honestly as possible, without any hidden agenda more than the love he has for West Indian cricket.

What impacted me most was his statement that we do not usually take responsibility for our actions in the Caribbean.

Well, Ido not have direct interactions with my Caribbean neighbours, but I do know that here in Jamaica, that is one of the fundamental problems.

In this society, whether individually or collectively, we tend to shy away from taking responsibility for the major problems that are affecting us.

Why do we do this? Either because we do not know how, as individuals, to take responsibility or, subconsciously, we are afraid; or, we do better at pointing fingers; or we are looking for someone to take the lead; or, we do not hold our leaders or those whom we have chosen to lead us, accountable.

Leaders are supposed to be persons who are willing to lead from out front; persons who make decisions whether popular or not and see it through and who, in the end, will take responsibility for any actions they've taken, good or bad, because it does impact on the lives of the people they lead.

Revolutions are born out of the failure of a government to recognise the need for change in the will of its people.

I am, etc.,

GARCIA CLARKE

garcia.clarke@mfg.com.jm