Letter of the Day | Pledge and recommit to live for others

THE EDITOR, Madam

We celebrated another anniversary of our Emancipation, August 1, and our Independence, today, August 6. On these occasions, each Jamaican must recommit to the meaning of emancipation and the meaning of independence by developing the capacity to choose to live for the liberty of others. Hence, every citizen must consciously avoid the temptation to live only for self and a special interest that stifles the well-being of our Jamaican citizens.

It is liberation from the vices of selfishness and a short-sighted special interest that we celebrate on Emancipation Day. Such self-centredness and special interest viciously denigrated the dignity of our ancestors through enslavement by those who viewed themselves as colonisers. They dominate others based on race and native origins, by distorting human dignity and looting indigenous wealth.

Celebrating Independence acknowledges our capacity for self-determination, to freely choose to live honestly, creatively, and generously to safeguard the human dignity and the well-being of all Jamaicans.

There are multiple instances showing the capacity of our people to be champions on the world stage in athletics, to possess an incomparable tourism product, to boast a cultural pedigree in music and the arts, to be innovative and successful in business, to achieve excellence in academic endeavours, are a few instances.

However, that which is good about our people and nation, can be shadowed by the proverbial fly in the ointment. One too many instances that condone the aberrations of our colonial past.

The scourge of crime and violence, intimate-partner abuse; sexual, psychological, and physical abuse of our children; inequity in one too many business practices that prize profit over better working conditions and better returns for the worker; corrupt practices that undermine equitable socio-economic system; indiscipline on our roads; and disregard for COVID-19 protocols.

Merciful Lord, forgive our selfish ways, make us be mindful of past ills, never to be repeated.

Inspire us Lord, to fulfil our individual and collective roles to achieve the true potential of our people and nation. May our Government, pastors, teachers, parents, business leaders, indeed every citizen of this land, intentionally accept the interrelated social responsibility needed for nation-building. It is then that Jamaica will truly become a place to live, work, do business and raise our families.

Happy Emancipendence.

MOST REV. KENNETH RICHARDS

Archbishop of Kingston