50 years old and immature
Published:Saturday | July 7, 2012 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Fifty years of Independence means maturity, and action should depict this level of maturity. After 50 years of Independence, Jamaica is still at the toddler stage. Political immaturity took over Gordon House on Tuesday. We saw the behaviour of persons in whom we have invested our trust by voting for them to represent us at the highest level. Don't they know we are living in a global village and other parts of the world are privy to our conduct?
How can Jamaica move on from this immature stage?
I think any government that is in power is there to serve the entire nation. We are political and tribalistic. Anyone can become a member of parliament in Jamaica. It's a career with little or no qualification required. It's the only career that does not require even high-school level examination certification.
And to those who are ready to tell us that this happens in other Parliaments across the world, I say, "Oh, please!" I don't buy that because it happens elsewhere, Jamaica has to be a part of that norm. We are already known for a trailerload of wrong things. So why add a cartload of raucous parliamentarians to it?
And come on, PNP, I am an avid supporter of the party. I am asking you to kindly leave the green in the flag. Norman Manley saw us through Independence and he didn't have any qualms with the green in the flag. The green in the flag doesn't mean Jamaica Labour Party, it stands for the lush vegetation of our country.
more than dancing
And take a pause: Why are we having 50 street dances to celebrate our golden jubilee? Couldn't we have come up with a more meaningful way of celebrating our 50th birthday? Is it that the street dances are the most important part of our legacy? Why not 50 films on the street depicting various aspects of our journey over the 50 years? Or 50 villages across the country could organise cultural displays?
We have such a diverse array of doing things. Each area would be showcasing its area of expertise. This would be much more educational and informative and entertaining than just entertaining with street dances.
We are 50 and should be proud, mature and tolerant of the green in the flag, whichever party is in power, and we should speak out against the behaviour of our parliamentarians in Gordon House.
DALIAH SPENCE
Cauldwell PA, Hanover