THE EDITOR, Sir:
We cannot turn back the hands of time but we sure can learn from the passage of time.
Since the Braeton killing of seven youths by the members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, many voices have chosen to speak; some in support of the police actions, others anti and still some who have chosen a neutral path. All should be heard and listened to, with the understanding that disagreeing doesn't mean we bring the house tumbling down. After all the house is ours.
I applaud the non-governmental organisation that supports the police for coming out and speaking in support, but I have a question. Will they support the police under a JLP Government? Same kudos for Jamaicans For Justice, but I need to know, will they disappear if the JLP forms the next Government?
Going into the 1980 general election, the entire country was aware that the political process was responsible for the violence, death and destruction that was taking place; was creating or had created a generation of youths whose most powerful tool was the gun. Did we expect the mentality to disappear once the election was over?
In my opinion the political bank in Jamaica is depleted. The PNP, which in times past could be counted on to take the lead in poor man's justice and culture, seems to be morally bankrupt, a result of retaining much too much baggage from yesteryears. The JLP, on the other hand, have seen fit to retain at its helm, one whose complexity in the politics of violence is yet to be investigated and appropriate actions taken.
Whatever other political aspirants are out there must first address rather than try to forget to bypass yesterday's politics of violence because it is that which has brought us to today. It is that which is responsible for the thousands of our nationals languishing in foreign prisons. For our so-called deportee problem and by extension our misguided youths.
Jamaicans act now. Total destruction is waiting around the corner!
I am, etc.,
OSWALD DAWKINS
89A2152, Fishkill C.F.
Box 1245, Beacon,
N.Y. 12508
