The Editor, Sir:

The state of our nation today demands a paradigm shift both in theory and practice if we are ever going to extricate ourselves from the state in which we are.

We have indeed come a very far way as a nation in terms of our attitude towards one another. As a nation, there are certain fundamental things that we will have to get back to if we are to fulfil our mission as a people today.

I speak specifically to employers. To what extent are you so concerned about the profits that you make on a daily basis that you forget the needs of your employees? You need to recognise that that the people who work for you are all doing you a service and are deserving of the best treatment that you can offer. And you, employees. You should recognise that the work that you are doing is as important as any other work on Earth. Remember that a job worth doing is worth doing well.

strength of a nation

How about you workers in the health sector? My health-care brothers and sisters, a nation's strength can truly be judged by the health of its people. The bowels of compassion should permeate throughout the sector.

Pedagogues. I want you to be aware that the students that are before you on a daily basis are not there by accident. It is your God-given responsibility to take to the classroom a passion for your students. You should not be going through the motions of only imparting knowledge. Remember that the students are not mere sponges to be filled. You need to challenge them to think critically and analytically. Allow them to think outside the box, and when they challenge your theories and the oft-beaten educational landscape, do not think that they are imprudent. If your students are not challenging you as their teacher, check out your pedagogical strategies.

To the Government and Opposition, it is past time that you all recognise that this land of ours is here to stay. This country is going to outlive all of you. This country of ours can truly be paradise, but we all will have to recognise that as a people we all have both individual and collective responsibilities.

Let us get back to the place where we see one another as brothers and sisters, one people under God, looking out for the next. We can truly make it if we try.

I am, etc.,

HOWARD SUMMERBELL

rallinbell@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica