Heather Robinson

There is no doubt that in life we all have memories of our childhood. We tend to remember the good and the bad times we had, and usually we recall exactly where we were when we received a particular piece of news. There is hardly an adult who cannot tell you exactly where they were when they were told of the death of a parent. I was at school the Thursday morning in 1966 when my aunt and older sister came and informed us (my sister and I) that our father had died.

I also remember that some time in 1966 as a boarder at St. Hugh's hostel, we were unable to go to church at St. Luke's in Cross Roads one Sunday because of some protests and riots in Kingston. Do you remember when His Imperial Majesty Hailie Selassie visited Jamaica? I do. Did you go to the famous peace concert in the late '70s when Prime Minister Michael Manley and Opposition Leader Edward Seaga were brought together on stage by Bob Marley? I was there, and saw and heard everything.

Clearly, there are many memories that we have that will live with us till death.

Challenges FOR politicians

One of the challenges that politicians facein Jamaica has to do with the creation of lasting memories for those they represent. Some call it achievements and some refer to it as a legacy. Some believe that to create either, they must, of necessity, do everything to attract the attention of not only those whom they represent, or are seeking to represent, but indeed the entire Jamaica. Unfortunately, in our country negative behaviour is the easiest way to get this attention, or recognition.

On this the eve of the 2007 general election, many will seek to use this route of negative responses to attract the attention of the 'relevant authorities'. Monday, June 4, was the most recent example of this type of response. Some persons in Portland, decided that they would block the main roads in the east and west of the parish to highlight the poor road conditions there.

Several roadblocks were mounted, using trees, stones, utility poles and other debris to prevent persons from going about their legitimate business. This group of inconvenienced persons included students, teachers, taxi operators and a colleague of mine. My friend, who is over 40, spent hundreds of dollars speaking on her cellular phone, as she tried desperately to maintain her composure as she sat nervously for many hours - crying at times - being totally traumatised and intimidated by the threatening presence of several young males.

Memories

I am sure she will take these memories with her to the polling station on election day. Protest yes, but why prevent her from going to earn her living?

Students who had to sit exams in Portland on Monday were accommodated at centres other than their own, but how many of them were able to perform well in this new and different environment, among strange teachers and students? How much of their time was spent wondering how, and if, they would get back home?

In 1992, I was told by some senior citizens of a particular community in St. Catherine about the behaviour of a Member of Parliament during a gas protest in the decade before. Theywill never forget what he did. He, I hope, remembers with shame and disgust.

Politicians need to understand that as human beings and electors, we never forget terrible situations that put our lives, livelihood and education at risk. Think well, therefore, how you wish to be remembered by those whom you ask to vote for you, and all those young schoolboys and schoolgirls whose lives were put on hold.