THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT WAS a great day for Jamaica to see three women who were the leading candidates vying for the North-east Parliamentary seat for the parish of St. Ann. Women are on the move and there is no denying it.
Nations become great when all sectors, gender, and ethnic groups are able to participate in the matrix of society. Surely, God did not make man alone so it is good to see women taking up the cause, to lead.
No country can exhibit its total greatness without the participation of women. Going into the 21st century no country that practices the principles of democracy (exclude the Talibans of Afghanistan) can deny women of their power to think and expect to ascend.
If Jamaica is to prosper as we grow into the 21st century women's participation at all levels of society must be benign, unequivocal, free of male gender quid-pro-quo (I scratch your back you scratch back), and intimidation.
Indira Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto were the heads of government of traditional societies where women are considered inferior. If they could do it, the day is dawning when Jamaica will be proud to have a woman who will be seated at Gordon House as Prime Minister.
I am etc.,
CARLTON WYNTER
E-mail:
carlton.wynter@digex.com
Silver Spring, Maryland
Via Go-Jamaica
