We need the leadership to protect our house
Published:Saturday | December 11, 2021 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
In March of this year, the police reported that on average 126 women and girls are murdered in Jamaica annually. Whichever political party you support, or don’t support, this is a matter of grave concern. It is a failure of the national leadership on one hand, and a breakdown in social values on the other.
There is enough blame to go around for this graveyard horror movie playing out. But at the end of the day, it is not my responsibility to figure out the root of the problem, because I did not go to the Jamaican people and promise them I can solve the crime problem. Since 1962, our two major political parties have been promising us a safe and prosperous country. Almost 60 years later, we are less safe and certainly not a prosperous nation. The buck stops with the Government, regardless of which party is in power at the time.
The political leadership of Jamaica is the proverbial “man of the house” and any man (government) who fails to protect and care for his household is simply a failed man. A real man protects his woman and children. He puts his life on the line for them. He cannot sleep unless they are safe. He cannot eat until they are filled. He will not drink until their thirst is quenched. That man does not blame the ex-lover (Opposition) of his woman for his problems. It is his responsibility, but there are many complex layers to the problem of crime, but you knew that when you went to the people and promised to make them safe. You said you understood the complexity of the problem and you were entrusted with the responsibility for 60 years to deliver.
Over the years, the ruling class of Jamaica has been the least affected by the crime monster. That is why we still have the problem. For 60 years they have taken turns in using and abusing Jamaica and Jamaicans. They have been the least affected by the plight of this beautiful country and have always enjoyed protection from the real Jamaican life of struggle, stress and loss. There is no other way to explain why they can sit back and watch poor Jamaican women and children being slaughtered. If a man cannot protect his woman, he does not deserve to have a woman. If he can’t care for his children, he should not have children. As men and women who clothe yourself in the garb of “honourable/most honourable” if you are reluctant to act bravely and patriotically, in defence of this beautiful island, do the honourable thing, leave the house. Step aside now and let a “real man” protect his woman and children.
LAVIE LUJAH
Toronto, Canada