The Editor, Sir:

I hear so many people in positions of influence advocating an end to, if not outlawing, political motorcades, putting up of flags and other outward demonstrations of one’s support of political parties, with the explanation that these things give rise to political tensions and lead to violence. In SE St. Ann, while supporters of the People’s National Party (PNP) were preparing to join in a motorcade, there wasone Jamaica Labour Party supporter assisting his PNP supporter friend to completely decorate his car in glowing orange and yellow fabric with sticker photographs of the Prime Minister and the caretaker Miss Hanna, much to the amusement of everyone.

Exercising right

I like the carnival-like atmosphere of motorcades and the varying expressions of the people’s right to overtly enjoy and demonstrate in a civilised manner, their democratic and constitutional right in supporting a political party or candidates of their choice.

There should be, and included as a part of the education process and syllabuses, the ‘dos and ‘don’ts’ and ‘whys’ regarding political behaviour. This, coupled with political leaders disassociating themselves from and ostracising the corrupt and negative elements among them, should be supported by the strongest punitive and rehabilitating legislation possible to allow for the will of the majority of decent, sensible and law-abiding citizens to take precedence.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL SPENCE

Micspen2@hotmail.com

P.O. Box 630

Liguanea, Kingston 6