THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE FARQUHARSON Institute of Public Affairs is grateful to the Gleaner for yesterday's editorial support and for the insights it has given to the Prime Minister. The Head of Government in Jamaica would be well advised to pause, take note of the history of dictators and return himself to a state of political sobriety.
Now that we have become the subject of governmental aggression, we have cause to remember when Mr. Patterson joined with others of the then government to march on the Gleaner offices, with dire threats of what might happen the next time its writers offended the ruling PNP. Jamaica saw the troops then and neither the newspaper nor other well-thinking interests in the country were afraid. We are well aware that today's troops are more dangerously armed, but, with due regard for the many Jamaicans who sacrificed their lives in the fight against Mussolini, we shall not surrender our constitutional rights.
The present members of the Farquharson Institute are pledged to continue abiding by the principles of its founder, Sir Arthur Farquharson, and the commitment of the illustrious H.P. Jacobs. Nowadays we confine ourselves to thinking out problems facing our country and offering possible solutions, however bitter they may be to the taste of those accustomed to the sweetness of power.
For those who do not know or may have forgotten, it was the vision and labour of Farquharson, Jacobs and the Institute that led to the formation of such representational bodies as the Jamaica Banana Producers Association, the Sugar Manufacturers Association, Citrus Growers Association, Coconut Growers Association, Jamaica Livestock Association and the Jamaica Employers Federation.
We believe that the contributions of these organisations, combined or singly, have been most helpful to Jamaica's development and must be at least equal to that of the current Prime Minister and the transient members of his Cabinet.
I am etc.,
KEN JONES
fipa@anngel.com.jm
General Secretary
