The Editor, Sir:

It is so exciting to hear and read of the achievements of the communities nominated for the 2008 Michael Manley Award for Community Self-Reliance.

Self-initiative, individual and collective commitment, are some reasons for the successes of the community projects undertaken. And, most interestingly, several spokespersons for these communities very clearly and definitely said that no politicians were allowed to get involved. The belief by various community members that the entry of politics would assuredly corrupt the collaborations and impede progress is perfectly understandable.

These accomplishments must be examined more closely, notes taken and applied nationally: direct ownership and responsibility for the successes and failures of a community and its daily life. Community-based management as an alternative governance structure may be a necessary part of our future political survival.

No secret

What really is democracy? - isn't it government of, by and for the people? It is no secret that our current interpretation resembles more a demi-god worship and ritual dependency. In the community-based programme, here is a live alternative that fulfils the original definition and, works.

Such a model would ensure that monies collected for the common welfare are spent for the common welfare. If what is collected is not used transparently and accounted for, then everybody, not a hidden few, get blamed.

Such a model would also deal with the national excuse for inaction - 'ah di Government mus dweet'. They don't must. We must. Don't make it somebody else's job. Make it your job and my job.

It's time then to revisit the definition and use a model that best suits the Jamaican temperaments and culture. Throw away the crutches of dependence, and make each one accountable from day one. If we want the road to fix, then we have to go out there and fix it.

I am, etc.,

REECE BRISCOE

reecebriscoe@gmail.com