I once believed the national motto spoke to an innate inclination to work together. But now, besides alluding to ethnic groups, it is inconsistent with the air of disunity we breathe. It seems it was created by mere wishful thinking, as it does not accurately describe the state of Jamaica today.

Let's enter Gordon House, where squabbles seem to come from two nations at war, an approach already practised by warring factions in our political garrisons. Jamaicans are riled up at opposition rallies where government policies are ridiculed and predicted to fail, and so opposition party supporters are constantly suspicious of government efforts. Our two-party democracy seems better at dividing than uniting Jamaica; is there no better way to govern this nation?

The Church and politics should be separated, because the influence of the Church is a direct contradiction to the motto. A government should be impartial, and make laws that are fitting for a cosmopolitan nation. The Church cannot continue to dictate morality.

Even on matters of criminality, Jamaica's biggest problem, we are fragmented. Knowledgeable civilians often refuse (albeit out of fear) to 'infaam' on community members involved in illegal activity, consenting therefore, to Jamaica being held hostage by scoundrels.

Stop lambasting

Members of Parliament need to be more collaborative. Stop lambasting each other at political rallies! As long as the Church is a dominant force in society, the values of many non-Christians are being disregarded. We are not a Christian nation (the levels of lawlessness speak volumes to this), because some, like me, are not Christian. People need to realise that our nation is under siege, and need to work harmoniously to find solutions. We must stop living along divided lines! The motto though now a misnomer accurately points to our best solution as Jamaicans, UNITY.

- Javed Saunja Jaghai, sandevaj@gmail.com, Three Hills St Mary, Via Go-Jamaica