THE SAD saga of Armadale that is being opened to the public in the ongoing inquiry is reminiscent of the classic morality play An Inspector Calls, penned by British dramatist J.B. Priestley. As shown in the piece, the responsibility for Eva Smith's death, in this case the demise of the girls at Armadale, rests with the entire community. This truth does not have to be adjudicated by law.

What happened at Armadale is not the shame of an irresponsible few, it is Jamaica's shame. That we can live in a society that is so lax and uncaring to those who depend on us for their well-being is sad and excruciating. Yes, someone must be held accountable at the end of the inquiry.

However, when we have examined and re-examined those whom we deem to be key players in the sad saga, we must also examine and re-examine ourselves. Where were the parents, the relatives, the Church, the schools, the Office of the Children's Advocate, the larger community?

As we watch the episode unfold and sit and 'tut, tut' in shock at such horror, we the moral Birlings of this saga must realise, as a society, that by our action, or lack thereof, we have contributed to or permitted this shameful and dark day in our history as a nation.

As the inspector in Priestley's play puts it, " ... there are millions of Eva Smiths out there". Jamaica, can we now begin the reform needed to save these others?

I am, etc.,

Evette M. Smith

marci_jm@yahoo.com

Charlemont

Kingston