The Editor, Sir:

For decades, well-thinking Jamaicans have decried the tribalistic nature of our political process we are a democratic society with, (for the most part), two political parties, a large percentage of the population, and sadly some persons who ought to know better, have the tendency to behave as though this were not so.

The report from Spanish Town over the weekend is very encouraging and I want to congratulate Babsy and Sharon for leading the charge with JLP and PNP supporters having fun with each other. The message articulated by these two leaders was very clear - they are at peace with each other and this is what they expect of their supporters.

I am beginning to feel that tribalism has been perpetuated to a large extent on the localised level. And, I now see the wisdom of having your political candidate living among the people he/she serves. This will ensure that if they start a political fire, they will have to stay in it or employ the necessary resources to put the fire out.

We have a tendency to speak of the early years as the backward period. I remember my grandfather speaking about the fun and camaraderie during election time, when PNP and JLP supporters would attend all the meetings; poke fun at each others and then they, (both PNP and JLP), would gather together to listen to one radio for the election results. While there may be harsh words spoken, no malice was intended and these feelings were never translated into a physical fight.

These are the days that we need to return to and Babsy and Sharon have started the process. What we want now is a replication of this love across the constituencies. The charge must begin with the leaders, but if we continue with caustic remarks on the political platforms, the fighting will not end.

We cannot have a peaceful election with the 'ringleaders' igniting the fire.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com