The Editor, Sir:

In response to the letter 'Black and white' from Christopher Campbell in Wednesday's Gleaner, I would like to assure Campbell that many of us are in fact 'losing our minds'. The present situation in Zimbabwe, in addition to causing outrage in people like me, also causes deep embarrassment and disappointment.

I am old enough to remember apartheid and the rule of Ian Smith in what was then Rhodesia. I recall the joy I felt when that system was eventually overthrown in 1980. That joy was widespread among Jamaicans, and we felt pride in the roles played by our Prime Minister Michael Manley and our superstar Bob Marley, who participated in the celebrations that marked the birth of Zimbabwe.

Our hero, Robert Mugabe, has now shown himself to be one of the worst rascals in history. Today, I despise him far more than I despised Ian Smith.

Superseded

While I believe in national sovereignty, I also realise that there are times when it must be superseded by the common interests of humanity. I was happy when the Tanzanian government of Julius Nyerere deposed the tyrant Idi Amin in Uganda, and I was happy when Caribbean nations, with the assistance of the US, removed the crazy people who had taken over the government of Grenada in 1983.

I therefore believe that it is time that the African Union deals with Mugabe. Armed intervention by a multinational African force, led by South Africa, is needed. It is sinful and immoral to allow the rape of Zimbabwe to continue.

I am, etc.,

HUGH P SMYTHE

hsmythe@tstt.net.tt

10 Schooner Court

Westmoorings

Trinidad & Tobago