THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT HAS been many weeks since your publication on January 15, of a letter from Joan Young Davis under the headline 'A dream shattered by brutal murder'.
The harsh realities still confront us and I feel obliged to, even belatedly, express my commendation to Ms. Davis and also add my support regarding the concerns and values expressed. I am writing this while travelling from a foreign country where such shattering events continue to be part of that nation's experience. We have been aware that the problem is not in Jamaica only, but on a per capita basis we are among the worst affected.
BRUTALLY AND POINTLESSLY CUT SHORT
Another life, apparently full of potential and promise, was so brutally and pointlessly cut short. Ms. Davis graphically painted the picture of loss, grief, anger as well as frustration at the continuing futility of our responses.
Some years ago, one of my young and promising colleagues was shot and killed at the workplace. It was a matter of hours later that I faced a mother torn with grief who was able to quietly, slowly but deliberately say: "I would like to sit beside that person take his hand and ask him why he killed my son."
Some months later I heard another mother on the radio speak in similar tone forgiving the persons who had, without apparent reason, gunned down her son while he was walking to school in West Kingston. He too represented hope and pride to his mother - cruelly taken away.
The majority of us may find it difficult to understand the quality of mind and spirit displayed by these three ladies. It seems to say to us that, despite our gloom, here and there "A candle still burns". They perhaps would tell us that it is not by their own strength but by the power and grace of God that they are able to face the tragedies as they have.
SOCIAL ILLS HAVE MULTIPLIED
Over the past several decades, our social ills have multiplied partly on the bases of systems and practices that have not always operated with transparency and fairness. It is said that if we continue to do things as we have always done, then we should expect the same results as in the past.
It is past time for concern and evaluation by every person mature enough to think about the roles we play each day, as we move from kitchen to the streets, to workplace or even just the sidewalk. This applies in particular to those who have already "learnt" that the way to survive is to go with the "flow" or the 'runnings'.
Bearing this in mind, how do we serve our brothers and sisters even as we strive to help our families and ourselves? I must look in the mirror, and so too must all, including the media. You hold a position of power and influence in the scheme of things. Unfortunately, even you are sometimes charged with bias and irresponsibility. Can you be one of the leaders as we seek to recover integrity, unity, peace and hope? You could help Ms. Davis' dream become reality.
I am, etc.,
ALFRED S. JOHNSON
stuart_john31@yahoo.com
Kingston 6
